As per Hinduism, fasting should be done at least once a week by remaining on an empty stomach till sunset. Drinking water and having fruits or fruits juices is allowed. In case of Ekadashi, the fast is broken in the next morning after 9 a.m or 10 a.m and the Chauth fast observed by women requires them to break the fast after worshiping the moon at night. One of the most difficult fasts observed by women is the Chhath fast. This fast lasts for four days and is basically followed in UP, Bihar and Jharkhand. Women don’t have food and water till sunset for first 2 days and on the day 3, the fast lasts for 36 hours.
It is commonly seen that people wake up early on the day of fast and visit temples or perform puja at home after bathing. Some people even chant God’s name for a stipulated time. Then they have some tea/ coffee or fruits till afternoon. Puja is also performed during sunset and after sunset; they have water and a preparation of rice. It is said that even after breaking fast, one must not indulge in non-vegetarian food on that day as it may spoil the sanctity of the whole fasting ritual.
In fact, it would be best
to have Satvik food on that day. It is also perceived that getting irritated or
boasting about the weakness you are feeling due to fasting or thinking about
indulging in delicacies after breaking the fast causes the fast to lose its
purpose.
