Fasting in Hinduism

There are a number of contemporary Vaishnavite celebrations that include fasting, including Vaikunta Ekadasi, Rama Navami, and Janmashtami (Indialife, 2006).

Vaikunta Ekadasi occurs for one day in the month of Dhanurmasa, which is roughly December and January on the Gregorian calendar. This event emphasizes the importance of devotion and austerity in service of Vishnu. In reference to this, Vaishnavites enter into strict fasting on this day, along with prayer and meditation. Devotees consider their asceticism to be among the most important means in reaching Vaikuntha, a place of eternal bliss that is the ultimate destination of the soul.

Rama Navami is another important Vaishnavite festival that involves fasting. Dedicated specifically to Vishnu's avatar Rama, it is widely celebrated by all Vaishnavas. This festival occurs on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra (during March and April) to commemorates Vishnu's birth. Rama Navami is an elaborate celebration during which temples are colorfully decorated and the image of Lord Rama is ornately adorned. Celebration occurs in temples, large public gatherings, and privately at home. Regardless of the venue, devotees fast for the duration of the day. At Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Rama, a large fair is held on this day and in Southern India, the festival lasts for nine days.

Another celebration is the Janmashtami, which commemorates the birthday of the deity Lord Krishna. Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of the month of Bhadon (August and September), primarily in Northern India. As in other Vaishnava festivals, devotees observe a strict fast for the entire day. In the evening, songs are performed in honor of Lord Krishna, ending at midnight, the time of his birth. At this time, an lavish ritual replicates the birth of Lord Krishna and those fasting eat after the ceremony is finished. Janmashtami occurs as a large event in the city of Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

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