Maha Shivratri 2018: Fasting today? Here are vrat-friendly ingredients you can try

Hindus all across the country are gearing up for one of the most widely celebrated and much-waited festivals of the year -- Maha Shivaratri.

The day is celebrated to honour Lord Shiva and translates into the 'Great night of Shiva'.

Every year the festival falls in the Hindu month of Phalgun,usually betweenJanuary-February. This year the auspicious festival will be celebrated on 13 February.

Shiva devotees all across observe a fast and worship him to seek blessings and prosperity. Devotees offer prayers, visit Shiva temples and offer him white flowers, milk-based desserts, milk and bael leaves. Worshippers also wear white cloths on the day and avoid consuming non-vegetarian items or indulging in alcohol, tobacco consumption.

According to legends Maha Shivratri is celebrated because of many reasons. Some believe that Shiva drank the poisonous potion to protect the world, others say that the Lord performed 'tandava' -- the dance of creation, preservation and destruction on this night while many believe Shiva and Parvati to have got married on this auspicious day.

For those who would be observing a fast this Maha Shivaratri, we bring to you some of the most readily and easily available ingredients that can be a part of your vrat-menu.

Fasting does not mean you have to compromise on good food, work up these vrat-friendly ingredients in the comfort of your kitchen and cook up a storm this Maha Shivaratri.

Potatoes

Undeniably, most of us love potatoes. This versatile ingredient can easily be cooked into sumptuous delicacies and is absolutely vrat-friendly.

Nuts and dry fruits

Whip up sumptuous shakes and smoothies with the added goodness of nuts and dry fruits of your choice. Nuts and dry fruits are loaded with essential micronutrients and give an instant energy boost in just small helping -- something that revs up the energy level on the day of fasting.

Sabudana

Alternatively known as sago pearls, these are one of the most-loved vrat-friendly ingredients. Use them in making lip-smacking desserts, delectable vadas and tikkis to soul-stirring khichdis.

Happy Maha Shivratri 2018!