Fasting a part of faith

Hyderabad: Fasting is an integral part of most religions. Fasting by those aged under 10 is not prevalent, but is common among teenagers.

Among Muslims, training is often given to children from the age of 14. During the month of Rajab, a 12-hour-fast is carried out and many children take it up, neither eating nor drinking for the entire period.

Among Christians, during the holy month of Lent, some families encourage their children to fast every Friday. Intake of food differs from person to person, while some have only one meal a day, others skip a meal a day.

Among Hindus, fasting is encouraged among children on festival days. Sometimes teenagers even take up fasting before or during examinations, which is harmful. Though some types of food can be eaten as per Hindu norms during fasting, at times some people fast without consuming any food for 24 hours.
Among v is encouraged among children and teenagers who fast sometimes for a few days at a stretch.

especially during the holy period of Chaturmas. During this time only warm water is consumed, and even that is not allowed after evening.