Can eating a bowl full of Khichdi fix your karma and remove obstacles? Well, this may sound strange, but the roots of this one Indian delicacy are linked to Santan Dharma and the balance of Karma. Here’s the untold story of cooking Khichdi on Saturday.


Why Khichdi?
From festivals to auspicious occasions, Khichdi is the most common bhog offered to the Hindu deities, and according to the age-old beliefs Khichdi is a maha prasad, this is simply because rice and certain lentils are considered pious. However, over the years Khichdi became a staple in most Indian households, for its umpteen health enriching benefits and its deep-root spiritual significance. While most people eat Khichdi as a comfort food, there’s a lot more to this one-pot meal that has the potential to change one’s destiny and bring good luck. But do you know why it is traditionally eaten on Saturdays in many Indian homes?



Connection with Lord Shani
According to Hindu beliefs, Saturday, also known as Shanivar, is believed to be the day of Lord Shani, which is Saturday is astrologically ruled by Saturn. As per Santan Dharma, Lord Shani is the God of justice, Karma, discipline, and life's challenges. Thus, it is believed that eating simple sattvik food on Saturdays can reduce hurdles and hardships. This is why Khichdi is prepared and offered as a bhog on Saturdays to seek the blessing of Lord Shani.



Digestive Health
Over the years, khichdi became an inseparable part of the day-to-day diet, as it is believed that besides the spiritual benefits of Khichdi, there are several health benefits of consuming Khichdi once a week as it can cleanse the digestive system and boost the metabolic rate. In fact, it is believed that consuming khichdi can naturally help in improving gut health and help manage weight. This is the reason why most people eat Khichdi on Saturdays . Many people prefer to eat simple meals to give their digestive system a break from heavy, oily, or spicy food consumed during the week. The combination of rice and dal provides balanced nutrition without putting stress on digestion.

Balancing the body
As per popular beliefs, eating Khichdi once a week helps in balancing the body’s doshas -Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. This is because Khichdi is considered ideal for maintaining this balance. Its mild spices, easy texture, and nutritious ingredients help promote internal harmony.



Fasting Practices
Many people observe partial fasts on Saturdays in honor of Lord Shani. Khichdi is often allowed during such fasts because it is simple, healthy, and does not break the spirit of fasting. It provides enough energy while remaining light and non-offensive to the digestive tract.