Hindu Fasts & Pilgrimages

Both fasts and pilgrimages are traditional Hindu practices, performed for the purposes of spiritual development or purification. Fasting, the abstinence of food for a set number of days, is a Hindu ritual exercised at specific times during the year. While a pilgrimage is not mandatory in Hinduism, many followers undertake one to gain spiritual merit and inspiration. Many pilgrims travel to one or more of India's many holy cities.

Fasting

In Hinduism, each day of the week is assigned to a certain god in the Hindu pantheon. According to the Hindu-Blog website, Sunday is devoted to Lord Surya, the Sun God. Those who fast on this day eat just a single meal and avoid oil and salt. Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is said to be easily pleased; consequently, many Hindus fast on Monday and consume a single meal. Tuesday is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Durga and the Goddess Kali, and Hindus fasting on Tuesday avoid foods containing salt in the evening hours. Wednesday is dedicated to Lord Vithal, an incarnation of Krishna and the planet Mercury. Thursday is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and food containing milk products is eaten one time only. Friday is dedicated to the Mother Goddess, and those fasting eat in the evening. Saturday is dedicated to reducing the negative influence of Lord Shani, and those who fast tend to believe in Hindu astrology.

Fasting Festivals

According to the Swaminarayan website, Ekadashi is a sacred day, occurring twice a month in the Hindu calendar. All Hindus are required to fast during these days. The Navrati festival is dedicated to celebrating the Goddess Durga and is held twice a year. The Chitrabuddha website reports that fasting for seven or eight days is one of the festival's fundamental principles. During the festival, Hindus are encouraged to eat just one meal a day, taken in one sitting. The National Hindu Students Forum website cites Shravan, the fifth month in the Hindu calendar, as a month of Hindu fasting. During this time, Hindus across the world abstain from addictions to meat and alcohol and practice fasting.

Pilgrimages

Pilgrimages are undertaken by many Hindus to combine a desire to travel with spiritual goals. The Heart of Hinduism website suggests that Hindus embark on pilgrimages in order to remember special people (saints), to meditate upon God, to perform particular religious rites and to meet and take guidance from holy people. The website cites the Indian city of Varanasi as the most famous of all pilgrimage sites. The Indian city of Mathura, the purported birthplace of the goddess Shiva, is another widely visited place by pilgrims.