Embarking on the Amarnath pilgrimage requires careful planning, and food is a crucial aspect to consider. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the permitted and banned food items for a healthy and fulfilling pilgrimage experience:
Permitted Menu:
- Wholesome Staples: Cereals, pulses, green vegetables, potatoes, leafy greens (saag), soya chunks (Nutrela), besan curry, plain dal, fruits, and sprouts provide essential nutrients and keep you energized.
- Rice Varieties: Plain rice, jeera rice, khichdi, and nutrela rice are all excellent choices for easily digestible carbohydrates.
- Roti and Bread options: Opt for roti (phulka), dal roti, missi roti, unfried makki ki roti, tandoori roti, bread, kulcha, double roti, rusk, biscuits, roasted chana and jaggery.
- South Indian Delights: Sambar, idli, uttapam, and poha offer a delicious and light vegetarian option.
- Snacks and Beverages: Enjoy vegetable sandwiches (without cream, butter, or cheese), bread with jam, Kashmiri nan (girda), steamed vegetable momos, herbal tea, coffee, low-fat curd, sharbat, lemon squash or water, low-fat milk, fruit juice, vegetable soup, and mineral water. For a quick energy boost, glucose packets are permitted.
- Sweet Treats: Kheer (rice or sabudana), white oats (dalia), dried fruits (roasted or raw), low-fat milk sevai, honey, boiled sweets, roasted papad, khakhra, til ka ladoo, dhokla, chikki (guchak), rewari, phulian makhana, murmura, dry petha, amla murabba, fruit murabba, and green coconut.
Banned Menu:
- Non-Vegetarian Food: All non-vegetarian food items are strictly prohibited during the pilgrimage.
- Alcohol and Tobacco Products: Alcohol, tobacco, gutka, pan masala, smoking, and other intoxicants are not permitted.
- Heavy and Fried Foods: Avoid heavy pullov/fried rice, poori, bathura, pizza, burgers, stuffed parathas, dosas, fried rotis, bread with butter, cream-based foods, fried papad, chowmein, and other fried or fast food items.
- Sugary Drinks and Processed Snacks: Cold drinks and karrah are not recommended.
- Sweets and Salty Snacks: Halwa, jalebi, gulab jamun, laddu, khoya burfi, rasgulla, all other sweets (halwai items), chips, Kurkure, matthi, namkeen mixture, pakoras, samosas, fried dry fruits, and all other deep-fried items are to be avoided.
Important Notes:
- This food menu applies to langar organizations, food stalls, shops, and other establishments catering to pilgrims and service providers during the pilgrimage.
- District authorities strictly enforce the regulations, and penalties are imposed for violations.
- Staying hydrated is crucial, so ensure you consume plenty of plain water throughout the pilgrimage.
Embrace a Balanced Approach:
The permitted food menu offers a variety of nutritious and delicious options to keep you fueled during your pilgrimage. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a comfortable and healthy pilgrimage experience.