Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 76 today, and his fitness routine has often drawn public interest. Yoga, exercise and long working hours are frequently associated with his lifestyle. His food habits, however, are relatively simple, with a preference for traditional Indian meals, home-cooked food, local ingredients and periods of fasting. Want to know more about his diet? Read on!
What Does PM Narendra Modi Eat Daily?
According to reports by NDTV, one of the foods most specifically associated with Modi’s diet is moringa paratha. During the 2020 Fit India Dialogue with nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, Modi spoke about preparing parathas with moringa, also known as drumstick leaves. He said he eats them once or twice a week. Moringa is a nutrient-rich leafy vegetable containing fibre, vitamins and minerals.
During the same interaction, Modi recalled how his mother would regularly ask him whether he was taking haldi, highlighting his familiarity with traditional Indian ingredients. He has also spoken about following strict fasting practices, particularly during religious periods such as Chaturmas and Navratri. In his 2025 conversation with Lex Fridman, Modi discussed his fasting routine in detail. He said that during Chaturmas, which he follows from around mid-June until after Diwali, he eats only once every 24 hours.
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His Navratri routine is even more restrictive. During the nine-day fast in September or October, he said he completely abstains from food and consumes only hot water. For Chaitra Navratri, he follows a different practice. He eats one particular fruit once a day for nine days. Giving papaya as an example, Modi said that if he chooses papaya, it is the only fruit he consumes during the fast. He also said these fasting practices have been part of his life for around 50 to 55 years. Drinking hot water is another long-standing habit that he has spoken about over the years.
Traditional Food Remains Central
His 2020 Fit India interaction also touched on familiar Indian meals such as roti, sabzi, dal, rice, poha and upma, along with regional dishes. The broader emphasis was on freshly prepared food and reducing dependence on packaged and processed foods. His references to dal-chawal, ghee, vegetables and other familiar ingredients reflect a preference for traditional Indian cooking rather than elaborate or fashionable diet plans.
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Overall, PM Modi’s publicly discussed food habits revolve around simple home-style Indian food, local ingredients and traditional cooking, alongside periods of strict fasting linked to his religious practices.
We wish the Prime Minister of India a very happy birthday.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/narendramodi
FAQs
Who was the longest prime minister of India?
Narendra Modi is the longest-serving elected prime minister of India by continuous term, while Jawaharlal Nehru remains the longest-serving overall by total duration in office.