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Hariyali Teej Vrat is a significant Hindu festival celebrated by women in various parts of India, like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana. It holds a special place in the hearts of married and unmarried women alike, as they pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands or for the blessings of a suitable life partner. Fasting during Teej Vrat is not only a religious practise but also a way to cultivate self-discipline and spiritual devotion.
While this is a festival and custom that has been followed for centuries, it is important to understand that fasting for such a long duration can be difficult for some people, which is absolutely fine. Here are some tips for you to fast while taking care of your health.
Plan Your Meals
Since Teej Vrat typically involves abstaining from both food and water for around 24 hours, it's essential to plan your meals strategically. Consume nourishing and easily digestible foods before the fasting period begins, right after you take your shower during the Brahma Muhurat. The meal can consist of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts to provide sustained energy throughout the fasting hours.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is vital, especially if you're abstaining from water during the fast by keeping a nirjala vrat. Prioritise drinking ample water before the fasting period begins. Additionally, consuming hydrating foods like water-rich fruits like watermelon, muskmelon, tomatoes, and cucumber can help maintain your fluid balance during the fast.
Include Satvik Foods
Recipe - Sattvik Kitchen
If you are not keeping a nirjala vrat and want to eat Satvik food due to personal preference or health reasons, that is also completely okay. Fresh fruits, dairy products, nuts, makhane, and certain grains like buckwheat and amaranth fall under this category and can provide you with essential nutrients to sustain you throughout the day.
Avoid Overeating
Teej Vrat usually allows you to eat early in the morning on the day of the fast and directly the next morning, with a gap of nearly 24 hours. While it's tempting to indulge after hours of fasting, avoid overeating so that you do not feel sick or pukish. Opt for small, balanced portions that satisfy your hunger without causing discomfort or sluggishness. Eat fresh fruits for vitamins. Your body might crave salt after such a long fast, so you can have freshly cooked green vegetables or a comforting, yet light dish like khichdi.
Practise Rest And Reflection
Teej Vrat isn't just about physical fasting; it's also an opportunity for spiritual introspection. Use the time when you're not indulging in festivities to engage in meditation, prayer, or taking a rest by lying down. This practise can help you connect with the deeper meaning of the fast, keep your body well rested, and get through the day with some ease.
Avoid Intense Physical Activities
While Teej calls for celebration with the community engaging in singing and other bonding activities, engaging in strenuous physical activities continuously during the fasting period can lead to exhaustion and dehydration, especially if you will not be drinking water even during your fast period.
Listen to Your Body
Throughout the fasting day, pay close attention to your body's signals. If you start feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or overly fatigued, it's essential to break the fast. Your health and well-being are of utmost importance, and it's perfectly acceptable to prioritise your body's needs. Sick or pregnant women need not keep the fast for health reasons. At the end of the day, your devotion matters, and putting your health first is only beneficial for your partner and family.
Understand the Significance
What we know is what we believe in. So, before practising the Teej Vrat, take time to understand the significance and history behind this observance. Learning about the legend of Goddess Parvati and her dedication to Lord Shiva can deepen your spiritual connection to the fast. This understanding can provide strong motivation to ob serve the fast with devotion and sincerity.
