Why do we fast?

We have seen many pious people fasting regularly or on special occasions like some festivals.

On those days, they do not eat or eat once or eat only selected food like fruits or special / simple diet.

In Sanskrit, fasting means, 'Upavaasa'. Upa means 'near' and Vaasa means 'to stay'.

So Upavaasa means staying near God i.e. attaining closer mental proximity with God.

If that's the case, what does fasting have to do with food?

In our day to day life, we spend lot of time and energy in buying food items, cooking, eating and also digesting food. Some food also make our mind dull and agitated.

So on certain days, people decide to save time and preserve energy by eating light food or completely not eating at all.

The mind that is usually pre-occupied with the thought of food, now allows honest thoughts and stays with God. Also, since it's a self-imposed discipline, it gives happiness to mind.

Every system needs a break and time to renovate itself. Good rest or change of diet during fasting also helps the digestive system and entire body.

The more you pamper the senses, the more they demand from you! So Fasting helps to bring in control over the senses, reduce the desires and guide our mind to be composed and at peace.

Fasting should not make any one weak, irritable or create an urge to treat later. This happens only if there's no honest goal behind fasting.