Fasting - myths and facts

What is it?
Traditional fasting - Upavas – to be in proximity of reality. The reality being that the body is perishable and meant to be used as a vehicle to seek the imperishable.
Fasting trend - Commodifying and appropriating culture with the end goal of calorie restriction & weight loss.

Common names?
Traditional fasting - Navratra, Ekadashi, Lent, Ramzan, Somvaar, Pajushan, etc.
Fasting trend - Time restricted eating, Intermittent fasting, etc.

Includes?
Traditional fasting -
- Eating diverse foods
- Restrictions on certain foods/ timings.
- Celebratory preparations like sabudana khichdi, jhangora kheer, kuttu pooris, rajgeera thalipeeth, etc.

Fasting trend - Not eating for 16-20 hours

Propagated by?
Traditional fasting - Silent, non-binding oral traditions, usually passed on by grandmoms.
Fasting trend - Loud noise on social media, apps and influencers

P.S – Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the guiding text of Yoga philosophy, says that a Yogi shouldn’t go long hours without food.

#navratri #fasting