Let’s face it—we’ve all done that one “vrat” where breakfast is fruits, lunch is sabudana khichdi drowning in ghee, and dinner somehow involves paneer tikka. And yet, we still claim, “Aaj toh fast hai!” But if your idea of fasting feels suspiciously close to feasting, this one’s for you.
See, fasting in Indian culture isn’t just about food. It’s a spiritual reset button. But what’s the correct way? That’s where a good expert pandit comes in—someone who knows both the scriptures and when your vrat is becoming a cheat day. So let’s unpack some wisdom, with a pinch of humor and a plate (small, vrat-friendly) of truth.
Why Fasting Exists: More Than Skipping Meals
The Spiritual Backbone
Fasting in festivals isn’t just a practice of self-discipline; it’s deeply rooted in spiritual cleansing. When you fast, you’re not only abstaining from food—you’re purifying your body and soul, creating space for divine energy to enter. This idea finds its roots in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna says that fasting isn’t just about not eating—it’s about controlling desires.
Not All Fasts Are Created Equal
Now, fasting is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We have different types of fasts based on festivals: Nirjala (no water), Phalahar (only fruits and water), Ekadashi (grain-free), and so on. So, when you’re gearing up for Festival Fasting, don’t just guess what you should eat—get the details. Trust me, your body (and soul) will thank you.
Festival Fasting Decoded: What Goes, What Doesn’t
Food Rules According to Tithis
Fasting isn’t about blindly following a ritual. Every festival has specific guidelines that align with the tithi (lunar date) it falls on. For example, during Navratri, many people follow a strict vegetarian or sattvic diet, avoiding garlic, onions, and certain grains. But do you know why? It’s because the aim is to keep your body light and energetic, in sync with the purity and vibrancy of the goddess being worshipped.
Common Do’s and Don’ts (with Reasons)
We’ve all made that mistake of thinking fasting just means skipping meals. Nope. Let’s break it down with a few common do’s and don’ts:
-
Do: Use sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular salt. It’s considered pure and aligns with the fasting principles.
-
Don’t: Use regular table salt—it contains additives that disrupt the body’s natural state during fasting.
-
Do: Cook with oils like ghee or coconut oil.
-
Don’t: Use mustard oil or refined oils—they are tamasic and heavy for fasting days.
-
Do: Use buckwheat or arrowroot flour for making rotis or snacks.
-
Don’t: Use wheat flour, as it’s considered a grain and goes against the fasting principles during many festivals.
It’s these little details that can really enhance your fasting experience—not just physically, but spiritually.
Pandit’s Advice: Fasting the Right Way
The Morning Ritual Matters
It’s not enough to just wake up and skip breakfast. The first step to a successful fast is a clear sankalp (intention). Before you dive into your spiritual practices, take a moment to set your intention. Why are you fasting? What are you hoping to achieve or cleanse? Your expert pandit will tell you that the energy you set in the morning affects the success of your fast. This is a great time to light a diya, chant a prayer, and start your day with positivity.
When to Break the Fast (And How)
So, you’ve made it through the day. The moon is rising, the temple bells are ringing, and it’s time to break your fast. But wait! Timing matters—and breaking the fast wrong can disrupt your entire experience. According to Pandit’s advice, don’t rush into the nearest plate of food. The ideal time to break your fast is during the pradosh kala—usually after sunset but before the night fully sets in.
Ease your body into it with something light, like coconut water, fruit, or a simple khichdi. A heavy meal right after fasting can throw off your digestive system and reverse the benefits of fasting.
Modern Questions, Ancient Answers
Can I Work Out While Fasting?
Here’s where your pandit’s advice can get a little cheeky. Arjuna fought wars in the Bhagavad Gita while fasting, so technically, you can work out too. But let’s be real—fasting isn’t an excuse to push your body to extremes. Light activities like walking or gentle stretching are fine, but intense workouts might leave you feeling drained and can affect your fasting experience.
Is Intermittent Fasting the Same as Festival Fasting?
In recent times, people have started comparing festival fasting with intermittent fasting. They both involve a form of dietary restraint, but the intentions are vastly different. Festival Fasting is a spiritual practice aimed at self-purification, devotion, and connection with the divine, while intermittent fasting is primarily for health and weight management. They can complement each other, but they are not the same thing.
Fasting as a Family Affair
Getting Kids and Elders Involved
Fasting doesn’t always have to be an individual affair. In fact, family fasting can become a beautiful bonding activity, especially during festivals. Adjust fasting rules to make them manageable for different age groups. For example, younger children can do a partial fast or eat fruits, while the elderly can follow a lighter version of the vrat.
Fasting Without Stress
A common challenge of fasting during festivals is the pressure to stick to the “perfect” ritual. However, stress and anxiety can counteract the benefits of fasting. Pandit’s advice: Don’t stress over minor mistakes. It’s more important to stay mentally focused and peaceful than to obsess over each food detail. Take it easy, plan ahead, and avoid putting yourself in uncomfortable situations. After all, fasting is meant to nourish your soul—not your stress levels!
It’s Not About What You Eat. It’s About Why You Don’t.
At the end of the day, fasting is about more than just food. It’s about intention, spiritual growth, and discipline. So, whether you’re fasting for Navratri, Ekadashi, or any other festival, remember that the Pandit’s advice is rooted in deeper meaning than just skipping meals. It’s about aligning your body, mind, and soul for a higher purpose.
Three CTAs (Emotional, Curious, Exclusive)
-
“Feeling unsure about your fasting routine? Let’s clear things up—ask our expert pandit!”
-
“Wondering what your family’s fasting tradition says about your spiritual journey? Let’s explore together!”
-
“Need personalized fasting tips from a pandit who’s seen it all? Join our community for more!”
We Offer These Services In Dubai
| Pandit in Dubai | Pooja Services in Dubai |
| Havan Services in Dubai | Vidhi Services in Dubai |
| Path Services in Dubai | Katha Services in Dubai |