Tomorrow is Maha ShivRatri - Birthday of Shiva. Many devotees observe fast during Shivratri. Even the most Atheist 'Nastik' of devotees observe fast. It has been a tradition coming from old days. Fasting is observed in different parts of the world and they follow different rules at different places. There are some places who eat everything but salt. Regular foods without salt are made. Reason - salt is the most important thing as far as eating is concerned and eating without it is like making big sacrifice. At some places, they do not eat regular things, but only special things which are allowed for fasting. Like Sabudana (sago), bhagar (samo), groundnuts, green chillies, milk, curd, buttermilk, fruits, etc. For some people who do not like to fast for religion purpose, they are happy to declare fast because they get to eat different things which they like but are not made on regular basis.
Why to fast? There are different views on fasting. The basic purpose for fasting is to show self control. Self control on our eating habits for one day. Self control on our thinking - when we do not eat, we try to remember God and his birthday for the whole day. It is a celebration. Fasting is a method recommended by sages. There may be different reasons - psychological, physical & religion. All these things come together in fasting. Psychological because we have to control our emotions throughout the day. Even if we are hungry, we are taught that we should observe fast and not eat any thing except things allowed. Physical because fasting also gives some rest to your digestive system. This rest is necessary so that our system remains in good shape for long term. And religion because of which people actually celebrate the birthday of Shiva. There are also other occasions when people observe fast.
We should also observe similar fasting for one day a month in our daily activities. On that fasting day, you should not do your regular activity but different thing like working on accounts, working on marketing, maintenance, long term plans, short term problems, etc. Such special working time given to these things will keep your system in good shape. We should learn something from our traditions.
By the way, Happy Shivratri.
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