The changing rules of Shrawan fasting

Many women fast during the Nepali month of Shrawan. While some do so only on Mondays, others fast throughout the month. It is generally believed that married women fast for the longevity of their husband’s life and unmarried women do so to get a good husband (like Lord Shiva). But the reasons for fasting are changing, as the number of women who fast for improved mental and physical health continues to grow.

Sushmita Mahat, 23, who has been fasting in Shrawan since she was 12 says, “When I was growing up, I saw my mother and grandmother fast. They said it was for their husband’s long life and for our family’s prosper­ity.” Mahat, who has been living in Australia for the past six years, still fasts on Mondays during Shrawan. “Personally I fast because it gives me a feeling of peace, and I feel spiritu­ally fulfilled.”

Nutritionist and lifestyle modi­fication expert Sonal Talegaonkar backs Mahat’s claim. “The aim is not to torture yourself but to detoxify your body and learn self-control,” she says. “If you follow a proper diet during your fast, you will feel satis­fied and emerge healthier.”

There are many women who fast to lose weight. However, for those who do so Talegaonkar warns about the post-Shrawan effects on the body. “While it is true that weight loss is quick when you fast, when your fast ends, you could regain all the weight you lost,” she warns. Therefore she advises a disciplined eating regime post-Shrawan as well.

On the other hand, many women are unaware of how fasting affects their health. Salu Singh, 24, shares, “I am not fasting during Shrawan because I am not religious. Addi­tionally, I am unaware of how fasting helps my body.” However, she is interested in understanding the sci­ence behind fasting. “I am sure that fasting during Shrawan is not just about religion.”

Nutritionist Talegaonkar lists oth­er health benefits of Shrawan fast­ing. Shrawan falls smack dab in the middle of monsoon. Rain brings with it many water-borne diseases like hepatitis, cholera and gastritis. “When you eat vegetarian food, you automatically have lesser chances of getting infected. Moreover, accord­ing to Ayurveda, the immunity pow­er in people is low during Shrawan. So it is wise to avoid oily, spicy and non-vegetarian food,” she says.

Some married working women cite their heavy work schedule as a reason for not being able to fast. “I am usually busy from morning till evening. Even though I want to fast, my schedule does not permit it,” says Lakshmi Raj Budhathoki, 26, who has been married for three years. However, the ways women fast vary. Some fast without eating or drinking anything, while others fast by consuming only fruits and drinking water. Talegaonkar also says that at the end of the fasting period opting for fruits and drinking a lot of water is better than binging on fried and starchy food.

If you are fasting, Talegaonkar suggests you consume buttermilk, low-fat curd, raita, fruits, green tea, dry fruits, salads and vegetables (especially high-water cucumber) as they all keep energy levels high while being easy on the calories. Light and healthy food like these ensure your metabolic rate doesn’t change drastically. While fasting, your diet schedule gets disturbed and you may develop constipation. Talegaonkar advises drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water every day. Her easy advice: keep it light and eat healthy right through the year.