Chaitra Navratri 2022: Scientific & Religious Reasons Of Fasting

Fasting On Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri marks the onset of the New Year according to the Hindu calendar. This Navratri is celebrated during the shukla paksha of chaitra masa, which is usually between March and April. This year, Chaitra Navratri will begin on 2nd April and go on till 10th April.

Navratri as the name suggests is a grand 9 day festival celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the country. People observe fast for these 9 days and visit Mata Rani’s temple daily. There is also a ritual of lighting an ‘Akhand Jyoti’ at their homes to show their respect and welcome Maa Durga in their homes.

Nine different incarnations of Maa Durga are worshipped and each incarnation has one complete day devoted to them. The nine incarnations are –

1. Mata Shailaputri
2. Mata Brahmacharini
3. Mata Chandraghanta
4. Mata Kushmanda
5. Mata Skandamata
6. Mata Katyayani
7. Mata Kaalratri
8. Mata Mahagauri
9. Mata Siddhidhatri

The 9th day of the festival also marks the birth date of Lord Ram and hence is called Ram Navami.

Why do people fast?

The literal meaning of a fast is to abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance. Fasting has been a part of Hindu culture since its inception. It is a way of pleasing and praying to God so that a person’s wishes can be fulfilled. It is also a way of showing devotees’ respect and love for their God. Many people even refrain from drinking water on these 9 days, and that kind of fast is called Nirjala Vrat. Fasting is a way of showing one’s gratitude to Maa Durga for all her blessings.

According to beliefs, it is said that Maa Durga gives strength to the devotees who observe fast and showers them with good health and wealth. Fasting is done to honour Maa Durga and her nine incarnations. It is said that Maa Durga comes and lives in the house of the devotees for nine days, and Maa Durga only eats sattvic food. To welcome her in their homes, the devotees also eat sattvic food and refrain from any kind of tamasic food.

Chaitra navratri 2022

Keeping a fast is also signified purifying oneself of all the bad energies. Maa Durga can bless you with prosperity, and one can get rid of the bad qualities like – Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment, Ego, Fear, Jealousy, Inertia, Hate, and Guilt. Fasting instils a sense of calmness and devotion in people’s minds. Fasting is a way of hoping that Mata Rani will listen to them.

Apart from these reasons, there have been scientific reasons for fasting. Hindu mythology also justifies science, and it is believed that the change of season that comes during this time brings illness and diseases. Hence, opting for a sattvic diet provides strength and immunity to the body and brain.

Also Read – Chaitra Navratri 2022 – 9 Devis And Their Wahans