Aggarwals - History Culture Meeting Sharing

Fasting is considered by some to be an important part of the Hindu tradition.  Many Aggarwals celebrate Karva Chot, a celebration of marriage.  I fast alongside with my wife on this day to articulate a sacrifice as well, and we enjoy breaking the fast together in the evening.  How do you feel about fasting and it's roll in our Hindu traditions?  As Hinduism is a vast religion with many paths to enlightenment, where do you place the criticality of fasting and what it resembles?

---

Thank you to M&S Consulting for sponsoring this site.
You can read more of my ramblings at Mr. Aggarwal.

Fasting in Hinduism is considered as a way to please GOD.

As you mentioned about the Karva Chauth, on this day married women fast for longer life of their husband. Many may consider as a myth, but there is a long story before it which is even read on this day in front of GOD. Also, there is a story behind every fast, festival celebrated in hinduism.

What I feel about fasting is that it is a great service for humanity...The greatest sacrifice anyone can make... Since by remaining hungry and going without food for a period, we are actually saving the same amount of food that can feed another person who doesn't have the strength to buy food for himself... Now, it becomes a debatable topic that how can the process of fasting save food for a poor person. The logic is simple..There is a certian celing limit for food supply, and that decides the price of it, a person who is not able to pay that price has to go without food..Supposingly 100 people fast in a day..That means the food for 100 people is left in the store, which brings the price down so as to accomodate 100 people for this shortage...Hence we are actually doing a divine service to mankind by fasting..