1 of 15

Write now Article Tools

'Fasting in Hinduism' has various and many forms.

We all know that 'fasting' in specially two other main religions like Muslims and Christianity means generally not eating or drinking upto a certain foxed period of time of the day and in certain fixed time of the year.

But in 'Hinduisam' it has different ways : First of all it is observed almost throughout the year on certain fixed days which are present in the special hindu calendars.

Now about the forms :

1. There are certain fasts in which one can take fruits, dry fruits and milk and eat complete food once mostly in the evenings.

2. Certain fasts don't allow to take any food or drink till the next day.

3. There are two periods of nine days each - once in the beginning of the year and another in winters during which hindus live only on fruit and milk and no food for nine days and pray to God as much as possible according to the ways written in the reliogious books.

4. There are certain fasts which are broken only on seeing the moon at night.

5. There are certain fasts which just require to eat once during the whole day and night.

Hence we can see that there are various forms of 'fasting in hinduism' and its upto the individual's capacity, beliefs and also interest to observe them There is no obligation or compulsion. Just as there is no obigation whatsoever to join HELIUM. Its in itself so addicting that people tend to drift towards it automatically.

Learn more about this author, Anuradha Mishra.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Fasting in Hinduism?
We want to hear your view. Write now!