KATHMANDU, July 22: Lord Shiva is worshiped by Hindus throughout the month of Shrawan, especially on Mondays. There is a religious belief among people that fasting for Lord Shiva will grant them a boon from him. It is customary to fast for Lord Shiva in the month of Shrawan, but one should pay attention to a couple of things before starting the fast.

On Mondays, women fast for Lord Shiva for the longevity of their husbands, and unmarried women fast in the hope of finding a suitable husband for themselves.

During fasting, the amount of water in our body decreases, making us weak and causing difficulty in carrying out our daily routines due to the lack of energy. There are cases where people fall seriously ill while fasting for Lord Shiva. Fasting is beneficial for our body, and it is good to fast once a week; however, one should fast in a way that suits one’s body, such as by consuming fruits and plenty of water. It is considered beneficial for our body to fast once a week even during other months of the year. 

Fasting once a week by consuming water and fruits is far more beneficial and healthy than fasting for one day without consuming water. Not drinking water during fasting can lead to serious dehydration and, in some cases, hospitalization. During fasting, one should consume water at regular intervals and eat fruits, dry fruits, and juices to prevent health conditions such as dizziness, fainting, dehydration, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure.

Therefore, it is advised to fast only after thoroughly checking your health conditions. Dr Raksha Gautam talks about the advantages and disadvantages of fasting:

- Fasting regularly helps control weight, thereby averting various health problems caused by weight loss or weight gain.

- Fasting regularly can help avoid health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, and other chronic diseases.

- Fasting regularly boosts immunity and helps flush out toxins from the body.

- Fasting once a week improves the functioning of the digestive system and ensures the gastrointestinal tract stays healthy.

It is crucial to stay adequately hydrated and consume a small amount of fruits to maintain energy levels while working or carrying out day-to-day activities. 

Pushing yourself too hard during fasting, especially if it worsens your health or depletes your energy, is not advisable. Continuing the fast despite facing difficulties can lead to chronic diseases. Pregnant women and individuals suffering from diseases like diabetes, heart-related diseases, and tuberculosis should avoid fasting entirely. 

 
• fasting
 
• Shrawan_Mondays