How To Fast Right This Karva Chauth

Karva Chauth is tomorrow and a large population of Hindu women around the world will be observing the Karva Chauth fast for the well-being and prosperity of their husbands. The tradition started many years ago when married women in India fasted and prayed from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands safety. Most of these men were from the warrior class and often went out for long to fight wars. Some women chose the fourth day of Krishna Paksha of Karthik month to pray for the safe return of their husband. Karva in Hindi means a pot, and Chauth means fourth. This is also the time to harvest wheat crop in the region. So the prayers also included a wish for a good harvest. The rituals have been passed on from generation to generation and in recent times it is quite a celebrated festival. Women begin their fast from sunrise and remain without food and water throughout the day. Then with moonrise, they look at the first sight of the moon through a sieve and then at their husbands. The husbands offer water, and that's how the fast is broken.

On the occassion of Karva Chauth, a recent initiative called #FastForHer campaign started, which is for all the husbands who would also fast for the long lives of their wives. Isn't it adorable? Many celebrities have pledged to be a part of this initiative and spread this fantastic thought.

Although millions of women fast during this day, many women fall sick or have digestion issues following the fast. Karva Chauth is all about self-restraint and dedicated focus, so you cannot celebrate it without fasting. Here are few important points on how to fast right this Karva Chauth.

Before The Fast:

• Eat before you start fasting. It is very important to eat something nutritious before beginning the fast. As you wake up early, before sunrise, you will not be in a position to eat a lot. So ensure that you eat light, but healthy food.
• Include protein rich food like a cup full of curd along with some bananas or almonds. It is a great way to fill yourself up before sunrise.
• Whole grain are great as pre-fast food. Two wheat roti's along with a light cottage cheese dish is also a good way to stock up on proteins.
• Wrap up pre-fast eating with fresh fruits. Bite into an apple, sapodilla, pomegranate, strawberries (or any kind of berry), sweet lime, musk melon, etc. This will supply your body with necessary nutrients and reduces the chance of an imbalance in the body due to the day long fast.
• It is better to avoid sugar and grease. Oil and sweets can be detrimental to your system when consumed right before a long fast. Oil will cause acidity and sugar will enhance the hunger pangs.

During The Fast:

• Avoid strenuous work. When you fast, your body uses up the stored energy. Strenuous work, like working out, during this time may cause severe fatigue and weakness.
• Keep yourself occupied in something interesting and relaxing. Hunger pangs may cause you to become irritable and make you feel uncomfortable. The whole idea of self-restraint is lost, if your mind keeps craving food. This is the best time to catch up on some body massage and spa sessions. Listen to soothing music, or get together with friends who are also fasting. Group motivation will keep you going till moonrise.
• Avoid any sort of negativity. When you are on an empty stomach, negativity affects you way more than on regular days. Do not get into arguments and give in to any kind of anger during this time. Reading religious scriptures is recommended to keep the mind at peace and calm the body.

After The Fast:

• The first job once your fast is broken is to replenish lost fluids. At moonrise, you would break your fast with a sip of water. Once done, have fresh fruit juice. This will help your body to replenish lost nutrients and prevent dehydration.
• Indulge yourself in carbohydrate and protein rich food. Now is the time when you can savour parathas and curry. Make sure to have curd. You could have tikkas and baked food as long as they do not contain too much fat. Dry fruit laddoos are also good to re-energize the body. But make sure it is not too sweet.
• Cut on beverages like tea and coffee. You may feel a rush to drink a cup of hot sugary tea or freshly brewed coffee. But try and avoid it right after the fast. These items tend to cause acidity when consumed on an empty stomach. You may however indulge in a black tea after a sumptuous meal.
• Oil is bad when consumed on an empty stomach. So make sure that the food you are going to eat after moonrise has less or no oil. Fried snacks may be difficult to resist, but if you want to ensure good health and stay away from digestion relation problems, stay away from them!

You know the right way to fast now, so go ahead and celebrate this day and rejoice in the love of your husband. Now that we have #FastForHer campaign going on, I hope these tips are going to help not only women but also men who are going to fast for their better halves.
Happy Karvachauth to all the readers of Diva Likes.

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Contributed By: Kriti Mazumdar