Why do Hindus fast?

In Hinduism, people fast in various ways and for various reasons. It sometimes has materialistic reasons though sometimes it's just spiritual. Most of the time, fasting is done on festivals and Ekadashis. There are certain rules that have to be followed during a fast. People don't eat at all the whole day or just eat fruits. Sometimes, they even give up water for a day.

Fasting in Sanskrit is called 'upavaasa'. 'Upa' means 'near' + 'vaasa' means 'to stay' hence upavaasa means staying near the Lord. It has been scientifically proven that fasting makes ones mind calm and serene. During a fast, the mind becomes predominantly 'sattvic' and more receptive. The scriptures advise the worship of certain deities during the fasting period for improved meditative and focusing powers. Fasting in Hinduism is referred to as 'param tapa'.

Another aspect to fasting is that a lot of our time and energy is spent in preparing food items, cooking, eating and digesting. Also, there are some foods, which make our minds dull and anxious. Hence, fasting is the way to save time and energy on certain days and just eat fruits or totally abstaining from eating so that the mind becomes more alert and pure. The mind, otherwise pre-occupied by the thought of food, is now concentrated on noble thoughts and stays with the Lord. Since fasting is ones choice of action and is not imposed, it should be done with a joyous mood for betterment and not just for the sake of it.

Like any other system the human body also needs a break and fasting is a very good way to do that. The digestive system gets a reset during fasting due to change of diet. It helps us gain the control over our senses and make the mind go in the direction we want it to follow. This is why monks and spiritual leaders fast and don't eat for days.

Fasting is an ancient practice in Hinduism and it has various physical, mental and spiritual effects. Fasting helps us get over our fears and darkness if we consider it the way to meet the divine and be spiritual.