KOMAL SINGH
Image Source:: freepik.com
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival of devotion, and fasting is an important ritual symbolizing purity, discipline, and faith in Lord Ganesha
Many devotees observe Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat, where they fast for a day, consuming only fruits, milk, and specific sattvic preparations
Some devotees observe nirjala vrat, meaning complete fasting without food or water, as an offering of devotion to Lord Ganesha
Others opt for phalahar fasting, where they eat fruits, milk, dry fruits, and sabudana dishes instead of grains or spicy food
Fasting during Ganesh Chaturthi is believed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, inviting divine blessings into one’s life
Many households begin their fast with morning prayers, chanting Ganesh mantras, and lighting lamps to invoke the deity’s presence
The fast is usually broken after evening aarti, by offering food first to Lord Ganesha and then consuming prasad
These rituals are not just religious but also connect families, as members prepare vrat foods and celebrate devotion together
Through fasting, devotees express discipline, sacrifice, and love for Lord Ganesha, making Ganesh Chaturthi a blend of spirituality and tradition