Sabudana consists of small, starchy pearls extracted from the tapioca root (Manihot esculenta). In Indian culture, it holds immense culinary importance, particularly during religious fasting periods (vrat or upvas) such as Navratri, Shivratri, and Ekadashi, because it is entirely plant-derived, grain-free, and provides an instant energy boost. Beyond savory khichdis, it is commonly used to make crispy papadum (pafers), vadas (fritters), and sweet kheer (pudding).