The month-long Ramadan fast is about to end. Those who follow this strict fast abstain from food, water, and any other drink from sunrise to sunset. And every evening they break their fast with light but nutritious foods such as dates, fruit, and sherbets. In fact, India is home to a variety of fascinating fasting foods and practices that are testimony to deep ties between food and wellbeing. For instance, in Hyderabad, haleem (a high-calorie stew made of meat, lentils and wheat) is a popular dish to break the daily fast during Ramadan, while in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it is the nourishing and healing nombu kanji (a stew prepared with vegetables and meats) that is consumed with relish and gratitude after a day of strict fasting. In Gujarat, energy-dense foods made with potatoes, sago, singhara and peanuts are consumed during the nine-day long Navratri fast along with lighter but nutritious preparations such as yam raita and jamun raita.
In Ayurveda it is written – “langhanamparamamaushadham”or “fasting is the supreme medicine”. Let’s understand how fasting can help us live with greater health and happiness. (Image: istock)