Devotees of Goddess Durga observe fast on the occasion of
nine-day-long Durga Puja celebrations every year with full faith and
sincerity. The purpose of observing fast is to propitiate Durga Ma and seek
her divine blessings. Having been religiously carried out since ages during
the festival of Navratri or Durga Puja, the fast has become an intrinsic
part of the festival.
Purpose of Observing Fast
Hindus have high regards for Goddess Durga whom they look upon as Ma or
Mother of all. Fast to them is a denial of the physical needs of the body
and a means to attain spiritual gains besides blessings of the Mother
Goddess. Hindus sincerely believe that fasting helps in establishing a
harmonious coordination between body and soul. Besides, fasting is also
considered to be good for the body. It helps to keep body healthy by giving
digestive organs some rest and cleansing the body of toxic materials.
Durga Puja Fast Rituals
The custom of observing Durga Puja Fast is particularly prevalent in
Northern India. In the state of Punjab people observe fast for seven days of
the nine-day-long Durga Puja Festival. The fast is broken only on the
ashtami or navmi day. Some devotees of Durga Ma consume only milk during the
fasting days while some only live on fruits. Some devotees observe ‘Ekana’
which means that they take one complete meal during the day. Non-vegetarian
food, intoxicating substances and other forms of entertainment are
completely avoided during the fasting days. Men observing fast are not
supposed to shave. Some also believe in sleeping on the ground and thereby
deny themselves all luxuries and comforts.
Fasting during Durga Puja festival is also quite popular in the state of
West Bengal and several other Southern states. At the end of the fasting
period devotees feed beggars and worship little girls who spell the Shakti
of Mother Goddess.
At several places there is a tradition of sowing barley seeds during the
Durga Puja fasting period. In this a small bed of mud is prepared in a
little container and barley seeds are sown in it. This is placed in the Puja
room and cared for during the fasting period. At the end of the fast the
shoots reach a height of 3-5 inches. These are pulled out and given to
devotees as form of blessings.
Modern Fasting Trends
It is interesting to note that the present generation has retained the
custom of fasting during Durga Puja. Though many observe fast in its true
meaning some have molded it suit their taste buds. Rush of people in the
stall selling vrat (fast) ki chaat and vrat ki namkeen is a common site
especially in metropolitan cities. Restaurants too offer a special menu to
those observing Navratri fast. While many look at the changing trends with
skepticism others feel that such transformation does not matter a lot as
long as people have faith in Durga Ma.
