Part 7 - Rashi Kuta (Goon Milan)

Rashi Kuta also known as Bhakuta is the 7th parameter from Ashtakuta. It contributes a maximum of 7 points from the total 36 Goonas of Ashtakuta. The Rashi in which Moon is placed in the birth chart of Bride and Groom are considered here to check their compatibility for marriage.

Here in this Kuta, the distance between Bride’s and Groom’s Moon Rashi has to be counted. For example, if we consider the Bride of Mesh Rashi and Groom of Kark Rashi then the distance between the Bride’s Rashi to Groom’s Moon Rashi will be 4 and that of the Groom’s to the Bride’s will be 10. Similarly, there can be 07 combinations to match 1-1, 2-12, 3-11, 4-10, 5-9, 6-8, 7-7.

Out of these 2-12, 5-9, 6-8 combinations are not considered auspicious. The second house shows wealth accumulation, and the 12th house indicates expenditure/loss. This combination can create financial problems in the couple’s life. In the same way, the 5th house indicates parenthood (kids) and the 9th house does not take you to pleasure tours, also shows unconventional things and attracts more religiousness than love, hence 5-9 it shows trouble in having kids. 6th house is of sickness/enemy and 8th of death/end, it points towards incompatibility or divorce, health issues and death of a partner. In these conditions, the Goon Milan score will be zero (0).

Rest of the combinations are considered good for marriage matching and the Goona Milan score will be 07 for the couple out of 36 from Ashtakuta. It also indicates a healthy relationship between the couple. In the human body, the Moon represents the mind, and if the points are matching we can say the understanding between the couple will be good, adjustments made by them will bear fruit.

Rashi Kuta (Bhakuta) Dosh is considered nullified if the lord of Moon signs of Bride and Groom are the same or the lords are friendly towards each other.

 

Part 6 – Gana Kuta (Goon Milan)

Gana Kuta carries a maximum of 6 points out of 36 points of Ashtakuta. There are a total of 3 Ganas named as Dev Gana (gods), Manushya Gana (humans) and Rakshas Gana (demons). One Gana is assigned for each Nakshatras; out of 27 Nakshatras, 9 have Dev Gana, 9 have Manushya Gana and 9 have Rakshas Gana. The Gana of a native is the Gana assigned to the birth Nakshatras in the birth chart.

Dev Gana: A person of Deva Gana nature is humble, generous, well-behaved, kind-hearted, likes to follow cultural rules and traditions, appreciates the kindness of others and avoids getting into quarrels and refrains from being envious.

Manushya Gana: Humans are surrounded by materialistic things, humans are selfish, hence they will have mixed qualities. They may be very kind, and at the same time may become mean. They will be religious and creative. It is not necessary that they will obey all rules.

Rakshas Gana: This indicates the darker side of human nature. They can be stubborn and rigid in nature, tend to pick fights, self-centered, but also may have strong intuitive powers. The person with these qualities may not necessarily be a bad person.

Below is the ready reckoner to match the Gana Kuta of Bride & Groom:

The qualities represented by Deva and Manushya Gana bear resemblance; they may complement one another. Hence a cross-match between Deva Gana and Manushya Gana is considered good. Qualities represented by Rakshas Gana don’t match with Dev Gana and Manushya Gana or we can say they oppose such qualities.

Hence a cross-match between Rakshas Gana and Manushya or Dev Gana is considered bad. The male and the female native may have personalities which may be quite different from each other and which may at times stand in opposition to each other. As a result, the marriage may suffer due to strong Gana Dosh unless there are corrective energies in both horoscopes.

Each type of Gana gives a full score of 6 points when matched with the same type as Dev-Dev or Manushya-Manushya or Rakshas-Rakshas. Also the Bride of Manushya Gana and Groom of Dev Gana score full points.

But the Bride with Dev Gana and the Groom with Manushya Gana score 5 points only.

The Bride and Groom one of Rakshas Gana and other with with Dev Gana can gain only 1 point out of 6 points.

The Groom with Rakshas Gana cannot score even 1 point with Bride of Dev & Manushya Gana. But with the Bride of Rakshas Gana they will score full points.

Do we have to cancel the marriage due to this Dosh?

Gana Kuta Dosh indicates that the personality, choices, qualities are not matching or suitable to each other. This might lead towards disappointment, arguments, fights, quarrels between the couple’s married life. In-short the couple won’t enjoy the peace in their married life.

 

Part 5 – Graha Maitri Kuta (Goon Milan)

Graha Maitri (planetary friendship) the Kuta from Ashtakuta, contributes maximum 5 points along with Varna, Vashya, Tara Chakra to sum up 36 points in total. In this Kuta score can be 0, 0.5, 3, 4 or 5 based on the friendship between the Bride and Groom Moon Rashi from their birth chart.

 

There are 12 rashis and each rashi is ruled by one of the seven planets. Where the Moon is placed in a rashi in the birth chart, is called the Chandra rashi /Moon sign.

 

Here are the rashi lords (planetary lordships) according to Vedic astrology.Sun rules over Leo, Moon over Cancer. All other planets have two rashis each. Mars has Aries and Scorpio, Mercury has Gemini and Virgo, Jupiter rules over Sagittarius and Pisces, Venus has Taurus and Libra and Saturn rules over Capricorn and Aquarius.

 

It is not necessary that these 7 planets should be either friends or enemies to each other; some planets fall under a neutral category for each other. It is also observed that a planet is a friend of another planet but at the same time the other planet reacts like an enemy or neutral to the first one. Let us understand the relationship between the 7 planets.

 

This friendship of Planets indicates the mental compatibility of the Bride & Groom. If lords are friends then they will have a good conceptual match. In case of an enemy, the couple can have disputes which can lead towards serious issues due to mental incompatibility.

 

Let’s see how it works:

In GrahaMaitri Kuta if the planetary lord of Moon rashi (lord of the rashi where Moon is placed in birth chart) of both Bride & Groom are

• The same, then 5 out of 5 points are allocated.
• If one is friendly towards the second and the second is neutral towards the first one, 4 out of 5 points.
• If both are neutral to each other, then 3 scored.
• If one is friendly towards the second but the second is enemy towards the first one, then 01 point is gained.
• If one is neutral towards the second but the second is treating the enemy to the first one, then only 0.5 point is scored.
• In case both are enemies to each other, then the lowest 0 points are assigned.

 

Where only 0, 0.5 or 1 points are scored under GrahaMaitri Kuta, the Dosh is formed.

 

What to do if Dosh occurs, should we cancel the marriage? In astrology it is believed that the Ascendant of Kundali has extraordinary importance the same as Moon, hence if there is friendship between Lagna lords of both then we can consider the marriage as Ascendant defines the nature of the native. Hence the malefic effect of the Dosh can be reduced at some point.

 

Part 4 - Yoni Kuta (Goon Milan)

 In Ashtakuta (Goon Milan) Yoni Kuta is the 4th Kuta after Varna, Vashya and Tara Chakra. The word Yoni indicates that this factor (Kuta) considers the compatibility of the genitals and the reproductive organs with the intention of physical pleasure and happiness for the couple. As reproduction is connected with physical pleasure and in comparison to other living beings, humans have considered extra importance to this topic in their life.

In my view the society focuses only on matching the two individuals based on mental, intellectual and
social compatibility, which is not enough to determine successful marriage. Our society needs to place
more emphasis on physical computability in the new age and consider the compatibility score as important. Hindu marriage matching system does consider this factor since thousand years in the Goon
Milan padhati, which was meant to make the marriage a successful bond between two individuals.

The Yoni Kuta points are tabulated in an easy way to understand. Each of the 27 Nakshatras are represented by an animal. 14 animals represent the 27 Nakshatras. Using the animals symbolically, helps
us understand the compatibility by suggesting which animals can be enemies or friends, dominant or
submissive. With this symbolism, the Yoni Kuta helps determine how the two individuals may behave as
a couple. The points system helps to define the physical compatibility of the couple and may provide insights to the success of married life of the couple.

Out of the 36 points of Ashtakuta, Yoni Kuta contributes a maximum of 4 points. If the animal symbol of
the Bride and groom are the same then the match score will be the highest of 4 points. If the animal symbols of both are friends then the match score will be of 3 points. If the animal symbols are neutral to each other than the couple will have a match score of 2 points in this section. But if the animal symbols are enemies of each other than the couple will have a match score of 1 point only and in case of the symbols being arch enemies, the match score will be zero for the couple.

For example, if the birth Nakshatra of the Groom indicates the animal symbol as Mongoose and the Bride’s animal symbol is also Mongoose then the match score will be 4. If the Bride’s animal symbol is Goat or Monkey then the match score will be 3. In the case of an Elephant or a Horse as a Bride’s animal symbol then the match score will be 2. But if Bride’s animal symbol is Dog then the match score will be 1 and if then Bride’s animal symbol is Serpent (Snake) then the match score will be the lowest at zero.

What if Yoni Kuta do not match? This is an often asked question. Answer is very simple, if you do not get
the happiness or pleasure for which you are getting married, how successful that marriage will be? This
incompatibility is associated with bad results related to physical compatibility between partners. In
extreme cases, such incompatibility may lead to arguments, separation or divorce.

Nowadays, we see that individuals do not compromise physical compatibility, hence the survival of the
married life is but a question mark.

The table below shows how the match scores are determined for the Yoni kuta.

Part 3 Tara Chakra Kuta – (Goon Milan)

 Till now we have learnt about Varna and Vashya Kuta and today we will discuss Tara Chakra Kuta, the 3rd element from Ashtakuta.

 

Tara Chakra is connected to the Moon’s placement in your birth chart and is completely based on the 27 Nakshatras. All Nakshatras are categorised in 9 different segments like Janma, Sampata, Vipat, Kshem, Pratyak, Sadhya, Vadha, Mitra, Ati Mitra.

The Moon Nakshatra from the Bride and Groom’s birth chart will indicate the way their lives will be affected by each other. For example; if the Bride’s Nakshatra is Moola and Groom’s Nakshatra is Revati then the count comes to 9 which falls under Ati Mitra, then we can say Groom will be compassionate towards the Bride; he will be supportive to her.

 

If Groom’s Nakshatra is Pushya and Bride’s Nakshatra is Ashlesha then the count is 2 and it falls in Sampata for the Groom, which means the Groom will be benefitted with financial growth. In another way, if one’s Nakshatra falls under any inauspicious segment like Vipat or Pratyak or Vadha for 2nd person, then the 1st person might experience inauspicious effects in life. In short it is a kind of exchange between Bride and Groom. It is not necessary that the segment for both Bride and Groom will always be auspicious for both.

Let’s see what each segment indicates or how it can affect the couple’s life:

 

Janma Tara: considered benefic, longevity of the couple.

 

Sampata Tara: considered benefic, wealth and prosperity.

 

Vipat Tara: considered malefic, difficulties or problems.

 

Kshem Tara: considered benefic, wellbeing, good health.

 

Pratyak Tara: considered malefic, hurdles, obstacles.

Sadhya Tara: considered benefic achievement, success.

 

Vadha Tara: considered malefic, sufferings, hardships.

Mitra Tara: considered benefic, complementary nature, supportive.

 

Ati-Mitra Tara: considered benefic, fully supportive, understanding.

 

There are two ways to calculate it. First is the simplest way to know it with the meaning of it, is count the birth Nakshatra from first person to the second person’s birth Nakshatra and find out under which segment it is falling in (Janma to Ati-mitra). Do it for both Bride and Groom.

 

The second way is to count the 1st person’s Nakshatra to the 2nd person’s Nakshatra and divide it by 9. If the remainder is 3/5/7 consider it inauspicious. Do it for both Bride and Groom. With the rest of the other digits of remainder check with the chart given below.

Part – 2 Vashya Kuta (Goon Milan)

In the 1st Part we discussed Varna Kuta and its 4 categories which contribute 1 point in Ashtakuta. Today we are going to understand the Vashya Kuta from Ashtakuta. Out of 36 points of Ashtakuta Vashya Kuta can contribute a maximum of 2 points.

 

In Vedic Astrology, all the rashis and Nakshatras are considered according to the placement of the Moon in the birth chart. In this article, we will discuss the relevance and utility of Vashya Kuta in marriage matchmaking.

 

Vashya Kuta is the second category of Ashtakuta system

 

The word ‘Vashya’ indicates control over another person, the ability influence the partner or to dominate. In earlier times, it was expected that women should follow the rules made by men so that time it was compared for checking whether the husband will have an influence on his wife or not. But as the social pattern is changing, now women are not subject to persecution, hence Vashya Kuta is considered to check whether there will be a compatible and dedicated relationship between the couple or not. It evaluates the magnetic effect in a relationship, it reflects the dominant partner out of the two in the relationship.

 

Vashya Kuta segregates the Rashis in 5 categories and each category indicates a kind of nature which can be compared with other kinds. The symbolic image of Rashi also helps to identify categories as mentioned below:

 

1. Chatuspad: Mesh, Vrushabh, Dhanu and Makar (except Sinha)
2. Manushya or Dwipad: Mithun, Kanya, Tula, front part of Dhanu and Kumbh
3. Jalachar: half of Kark Makar, Kumbh and Meen,
4. Vanchar: only Sinha rashi.
5. Keet: Only Vrushchik Rashi.

 

Vashya  Kuta should be in the same group to ensure maximum compatibility. The matches are scored out of 2 points. Astrology says that planets create compatibility and incompatibility as per their nature. If the Vashya Kutas of the two people who are considered for marriage are compatible, they will have a better marital accord.

*Leo is the only sign which controls all other signs except Scorpio.

 

Points given for this matching are as per table

 

 

Part 1 Varna Kuta (Goona-milan)

In my last article we discussed about the importance and usefulness of Goon-milan of bride and groom for a healthy married life. Now let us understand how exactly the Goon-milan helps. To understand this you don’t need to be an astrologer and only need to follow Panchang tables with simple to understand rules for each factor of Goon-milan.

 

Varna, Vashya, Tara, Yoni, GrahaMaitri, Gana, RahiKuta and Nadi are the 8 Ashtakuta(factors) which compares the compatability of any couple. The Ashtakuta makes a total of 36 Goon with defined weights for each factor in the Panchang

 

Let us understand the 1st factor which is Varna Kuta (Social Class) which contributes 1 point in the 36 goon total.

 

Varna has nothing to do with the current cast system. In the era of Vedik period it was designed to segregate people by inherent qualities and not by family name or background. Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra are 4 Varnas(social class) described in Vedas to distinguish the 4 classes of people based on qualities. Thesevarnasare now used to divide the population since Kaliyuga for political gain.

 

Varna explains the quality of a person. A person born in a Brahmin family might have Kshatriya qualities or a person born in a lower cast can also have Vaishya qualities.

 

Brahmin Varna also known as Vipra, gives ability to learn, understand, think before act, dignity, religious depth, and priest qualities.

 

Kshatriya Varna indicates a strong physic, proud, hardworking and fearless individual.

 

Vaishya Varna specifies the qualities of a merchant, business acumen, money management.

 

Shudra Varna relates to qualities like service to others, following orders.

 

Let us understand the real meaning of the word “Shudra”. A human being who has few capabilities compared to the abilities of Bhramin / Kshatriya / Vaishya is put in to the category of “Shudra”. Individuals in this category generally work as an assistants to the other 3 categories.

 

Each Varna scores full marks when matched with same social class. It has been observed that Groom’s Varna can match with the same or any lowerclass. But for the Bride’s Varna it matches with same or upper class only. This could have been designed for the advancement of women in a patriarchal society assuming higher class would take better care of a bride financially and by honour.

 

Marriage is still allowed if Varna Kuta scores zero/do not match. In this case the degree of mutual understanding will be lesser than other cases.

 

Use the following chart to match the Varna Kuta of a couple

 

Types of Navratri

“Navratri” is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated across India. But do you know there are in all 4 Navratris celebrated every year in India worshipping the Goddesses?

 

First is Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasanta Navratri. It starts on Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha (1 st day of brighter half) of the Chaitra month. It is also the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Vasanta Navratri marks the seasonal change from spring to summer. Everyone worships 9 avatars of Goddess Durga to get her blessings. Devotees observe nine days strict fasting period to allow our body to adjust to the changing climate and prevent indigestion. It is mostly celebrated in northern India and western India. The nine-day festival which is also known as Rama Navratri ends on Rama Navami, Lord Ram’s birthday.

 

There are 2 other Navratris, Ashad and Magha which are called Gupt Navratri (unknown). These two Navratris have great importance for Sadhaks (Devotees) who practice Tantra Sadhana. Sadhaks attempt to gain power by worshiping the 10 Mahavidyas (Wisdom Goddesses) associated with the Tantra exercise.

Ashad Navratri, also known as Gayatri or Shakambhari Navratri, is celebrated in the Shukla Paksha of Ashad month (during June-July). It is believed that this worship is for good monsoon rains. Magh Navratri is celebrated during Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Magh month (January-February).

 

Fourth Navratri is Sharad Navratri. This is celebrated during the lunar month of Ashvin, it marks the beginning of winters (September-October). It is mostly celebrated in Eastern India. This Navratri is dedicated to nine forms of Maa Shakti and every day one goddess is worshiped namely, Shailputri, Brahmacharni, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri who together slayed the demon Mahishasura. In Southern India Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshiped during this festival.

 

The legend of Holika Dahan

Next week we will be celebrating Holi, the last festival as per the Vedic calendar and the second festival per the English (Gregorian) calendar. We have been celebrating Holi since time immemorial but we hardly try to find the tale behind this festival. In this post, we will learn about the legend associated with this festival and how we should celebrate it.

The legend that goes behind ‘Holika Dahan’ is that of King Hiranyakashyapu and his son Pralhad. King Hiranyakashyapu was granted a boon for his severe penance. The boon was that he could be killed neither by any Astr nor by any Shastr, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither at day nor at night, and neither by any human nor by any animal. This boon made him as good as immortal. With this boon, he considered himself invincible and ordered that only he should be worshipped as God in his kingdom. He started a reign of terror and punished and killed anyone who did not accept his orders.

However, his son Pralhad disagreed with him and refused to worship him as a god. He continued worshipping Lord Vishnu. This made Hiranyakashyapu furious. He tried various enchantments and other measures to influence Pralhad against Lord Vishnu but failed in all his attempts. Pralhad fearlessly continued his worship to Lord Vishnu. When the king learnt that Pralhad will remain unaffected by any of the attempts and will not worship Hiranyakashyapu as a god but continue his devotion to Lord Vishnu, he became so angry and upset that he decided to kill Pralhad. 

As his last hope, Hiranyakashyapu called his demoness sister, Holika for help, who was also gifted with a boon that made her immune from fire. The king ordered to prepare a bonfire and asked Holika to sit with his son Pralhad in her lap so that he will be burnt to ashes. But, Holika was unaware that her boon would work only if she was alone in the fire. Thus, Pralhad, who kept chanting the name of Lord Vishnu, remained unharmed and Holika was charred to death.

Thus, as a remark of this incident, Holika Dahan became prevalent. Holika Dahan is performed after sunset on the Poornima (full moon) of Shulka paksha in the month of Falgun. People gather wood sticks, cow dung cakes, dry grass, etc and two effigies, one of Holika and one of Pralhad are placed in the fire. The effigy of Holika is made from any flammable substances while the effigy of Pralhad is made from substances that cannot be burnt. In Maharashtra, there is a custom of making Puranpolis as naivedya (an offering to God). There is a practice where the children play timki (a percussion instrument) and the elderly shout obscenities. Holika Dahan is a custom of dispelling the evil and removing the feeling of enmity from within.

Dhulvad is celebrated the next day. When the fire cools down, people play with the remaining ashes. It is believed that the applying of the rashes significantly decreases the amount of sweat rash caused in summers. But, in present times the ashes are replaced by chemical or organic colours.

 

Tulsi Vivah

Once upon a time, Shiva flung his radiance into the sea. Out of this was born a very glorious child who went on to be known as Jalandhar, a very prominent Daitya king. His capital was also called Jalandhar Nagri. His troublesome activities had caused Devas, Sages and humans a lot of harm.

He was married to Princess Vrunda, the daughter of Kalnemi, another Daitya ruler. Her dedication to her husband kept him immortal and unconquered. If one wished to defeat Jalandhar, they had to bring obstructions to her devotion and break the spell.

Lord Vishnu took the form of Jalandhar and touched Vrunda. This meant that her chastity was compromised, and Jalandhar faced loss in battle.

Upon learning the true nature of the event, Vrunda grew furious and cursed Vishnu to be a heartless rock. Obeying his devotee’s curse, Lord Vishnu turned into a Shaligram stone. This curse meant that the protector of the universe would be absent; this caused an imbalance. All the Devas requested Vrunda to release the curse for the betterment of the world. Odeying respect to Gods, she agreed but immolated herself after setting Lord Vishnu free. A tulsi plant grew where she turned to ashes.

Vishnu said: O Vrunda, your devotion and chastity has endeared you more than Lakshmi to me. You will always be with me in the form of Tulsi. Since then, on each Dwadashi of the Kartik month, Vishnu is wedded in Shaligram form to Vrunda as a Tulsi plant. This year the Tulsi Vivah will be celebrated from 15th November Dwadashi till 19th November Poornima.

 

Celebration Of Rangpanchami and Holi

By tradition, we play colours on both Rang Panchami and Holi. Actually, Holi is to be celebrated on the day following Holika Dahan. Earlier, people played with the ashes of the previous night, but now-a-day it is played with colours. In Maharashtra as well as some northern parts of the country, Rang Panchami is celebrated on the 5th day from the Dahan with Gulal, but modern times have introduced a plethora of vibrant hues too.

It is believed that when the holy fire is lit, all negative qualities including Tamasic and Rajasic traits are eliminated. These negative aspects are believed to cause hindrance in one’s path to attain Moksha, liberation from the cycle rebirth. So, after they are extinguished, one is left with only the ashes of Sattvic Guna, which are positive in nature. This Guna helps in the path to salvation. Hence the next day is celebrated with the ash of Holika Dahan which is called Holi. Holi is also known by the names Dhulendi, Dhurdi, Dhurkhel, Dhulwad, Dhulivandan, and Chait Badi.

 

Rang Panchami falls in the Phalguni lunar month, on the Panchami Tithi of Krishna Paksha (as per the Amavasyant calendar) and Panchami Tithi, Chaitra lunar month, Krishna Paksha (as per the Purnimant calendar) 5 days after Holika Dahan. It is said that the Holi festival is celebrated for five days depending on the regional variations. It has various names such as Hori, Dolyatra in North, Shimga, Holi in Maharashtra, Kamdahan in South, Dolyatra in West Bengal. It is also called Vasantotsav or Vasantagamanotsav, to welcome the Vasant (spring) season.

Rang Panchami celebrates the existence of the Panch Tatva, or the five elements (Agni, Pruthvi, Vaayu, Jal, and Aakaash). These Tatvas are the source which helps activate the element of the Deities according to the spiritual emotion of the Jiva by throwing a red, fragrant powder (gulal) and splashing colored water on each other. This festival not only symbolizes season change but also gathering for happiness, equality, music and dance.

Every region has different names and traditions but all the festivals are associated with colours, so wherever you are and whatever you call it, just celebrate the happiness from the bottom of the heart.
This year the celebrations will be on:

Holika Dahan on 17th March 2022 Thursday. Poornima is starting at 01:30 pm
Holi /Dhuliwandan on 18th March 2022 Friday. Poornima is ending at 12:48 pm so Holi will start after this.
Rang Panchami on 22nd March 2022 Tuesday. Panchami Tithi starting 06:25 am

 

Benefits of Fasting

 Fasting is practiced in Hinduism as in many religions.

Scientifically, fasting detoxifies the body and spiritually it purifies the mind. The body feels lighter and your mind feels more relaxed as the restlessness reduces.  At the same time, the mind becomes more alert. When that happens, it is more prepared for prayer, and meditation, which is the intention of fasting.  In principle fasting does not mean keeping the stomach empty, fasting must be managed in a way that does not alleviate the stomach acid.

 

Fasting enables you to control the body’s natural processes and concentrate.  It frees the mind of negative emotions like greed, lust, anger, and anxiety and helps control laziness, drowsiness brought on with excessive food intake and to focus and control your thoughts.

 

Fasting can range from light restriction to extreme abstention. Fasting helps our digestive system by allowing it time for cleansing. Fasting has been suggested to have health benefits like caloric restriction, reduction in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and immune disorders to name a few.

 

However, foods you choose to eat before and at the breaking of fasting are very important to get all the benefits.  During the night time while breaking the fast one should eat food that repairs and not gives energy (No carbohydrates). Fasts have varying levels of restrictions and allowances like consumption of fruits or certain seasonal foods during fasts.

 

Fasting is for all ages, but a younger body needs carbohydrates at shorter intervals hence the tradition exempts children.  The science experts advise Diabetics and pregnant women need to be more careful and should avoid fasting over 15-16 hours.

 

Note: if the Tithi falls on two dates of the Gregorian calendar, then fasting is to be observed on the day when Tithi is active at the time Sunrise.