Fasting unites diverse faiths and sects

Muslims
Muslims fast during the month of Ramzan which comes around July or August. They observe roza (fast) daily for one month and read namaaz. They consume food before sunrise and fast the whole day. It is only after sunset and after reading evening namaaz, that they can have food and water.

There are five things, two of which are compulsory for Muslims to follow. One of them is roza said JV Momin, vice-president of Gujarat Minority Committee. “We also do jakat (charity) in which everybody contributes a certain proportion of their savings to the poor. Once the evening namaaz is completed, people have a grand iftaar at night, which means to relish vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, faluda and other fast food,” added Momin.

Hindus
During the four-month-long fast of Chatur Maas, the second month Shravan is considered to be most auspicious. Many festivals come during Shravan like Rakshabandhan, Naag panchami and Janmashtami. During this month, devotees abstain from consuming green leafy vegetables, onion and garlic.

Speaking to DNA, priest of Bileshwar temple of the city, Raju Bhatt said, “Devotees in thousands observe fast to appease Lord Shiva. In the early morning, they visit temples with their offerings for the Lord like milk, black sesame, water and Bilipatra leaves. Among all the days of Shravan month, Mondays are considered to be specially auspicious.”

While many devotees opt to eat just once during Shravan, others have complete meals without onion and garlic. Some observe fast only on Mondays consuming only juices/liquids and fruits. 

Jains
The Jain community also observes a fast known as Paryushan. Beginning from August 25, Paryushan will be observed by all sects of Jains. While some observe fast for nine days, some fast for six to seven days, while some senior citizens fast for six months. Thousands of Jains fast enthusiastically, even the youth.

The main reason for observing Paryushan is to strengthen self-control and purify oneself. Devotees end their fast in a grand way called Paraná, where the atmosphere is like a marriage. It is during Paryushan that they ask and give forgiveness, which they call ‘micchami dukkadam’. During Paryushan, religious discourses are held on Mahavir.

Christians
The beginning of Ramadan month (August 1, 2011) also coincided with the beginning of fast period for Christians of Indian Orthodox Church who observe the Assumption fast (Dormition fast). This is a great feast for Orthodox Christians of the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches which commemorated the ‘falling asleep’ or death of the Theotokos (Mary, the mother of Jesus) and her bodily resurrection before being taken into heaven. It was celebrated on August 15.

Elaborating on the Assumption fast, His Grace Dr Geevarghese Mar Yulios, bishop of Ahmedabad diocese said, “During this lent, we remember Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, who was a light to the world. Fasting during this period is important.” 

The bishop said that fasting is a form of meditation and allows one to concentrate better. It gives the power to control self.

Swaminarayan sect
Sages and seers of India have shown the way to purify mind and body and keep it fit through fasting. There are different ways to observe fast for a day or more. One can take only fruits, or only liquids like milk, juice and some fasts can be observed without taking anything except water. Fasts are a mental penance. There are certain rules that need to be followed during fasts. The rules help the body improve immunity and be protected against various ailments. Though a fast is considered a religious practice, if one ponders on the spiritual side, it would lead to peace of body as well as mind. Presently, in Shravan month many devotees not only in India but in US and UK, including the younger generation, observe fasts by eating only once a day or observing total fast on Ekadashi (Agiyaras) as well.

—Acharya Purushottam Priyadasji Maharaj, head of Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, Maninagar