Fast for the Soul, Not the Scroll: Fasting Culture or Just a Social Media Flex?

Let’s get something straight—fasting isn’t some Insta-challenge to show off your willpower or flaunt a new diet. In India, fasting goes way deeper than that. It’s rooted in spirituality, discipline, and even community service. But here we are in 2024, watching people turn this sacred practice into just another social media trend.

You scroll through Instagram, and what do you see? Everyone's suddenly "spiritual" because they skipped a meal or two. And they're all too eager to tell you about it with a picture of their lemon water and a caption that reads something like, "Detoxing my soul #FastingVibes #CleanLiving." Seriously? Let’s cut through the fluff.

The Instagram Fasting Trend: More Show, Less Soul

Here’s the thing: fasting in India has always had a purpose. It’s not just about looking cool or losing a few pounds. It’s about discipline, spirituality, and something a lot of people seem to have forgotten—community.

Our ancestors didn’t fast to lose weight or get Insta-famous. In fact, when they fasted, they didn’t even stop cooking. Instead, they prepared the meals they’d normally eat but gave them away to the needy and homeless. It wasn’t just a break from eating; it was an act of selflessness. They believed that fasting meant not just cleansing the body and mind but also helping others. Imagine doing that today—fasting and then distributing food to those who need it. But nope, the Insta-fasters are too busy trying to look "zen" in their posts.

Fasting, back in the day, wasn’t about deprivation. It was about sharing. While you’re purifying your soul, you’re making sure others don’t go hungry. That’s the kind of real cultural and spiritual act our ancestors used to perform regularly—and they didn’t need social media to validate it. #भूखे_भजन_नहीं_होत_गोपाला

Fasting ≠ Weight Loss Trend

Let’s be real here: fasting isn’t about dropping a few kilos for your next beach selfie. Traditional fasting, whether it’s for religious reasons or personal discipline, has depth. There’s science behind it—giving your digestive system a break, resetting your metabolism, and strengthening your mind. But more than that, it’s tied to giving back to your community.

These Insta-fasters? They’ve twisted fasting into some trendy weight-loss hack. Skipping meals, posting stories, and calling it spiritual growth? They’re starving themselves for the clout, not for the real benefits fasting offers. It’s about calorie restriction, with a sprinkle of fake spiritual talk, to make it sound profound. Spoiler alert: it’s not.

Fasting is About Purity, Not Popularity

In Hinduism—and honestly, most religions—fasting is meant to purify both the mind and the body. It’s about self-discipline, sacrifice, and, let’s not forget, helping others. When you fast for Shiva, Vishnu, or during Navratri, it’s not about going hungry just to post about it. It’s about devotion and using that discipline to better yourself and the world around you.

Remember the real fasters? The ones who don’t need a camera crew to capture their so-called "spiritual glow"? They don’t stop cooking or preparing meals just because they’re fasting. They prepare the food and then give it away. They know that the act of fasting isn’t just for personal gain—it’s about doing good. It’s about making sure that while you fast, someone else doesn’t have to.

That’s what makes fasting powerful. It’s not a solo act of denial; it’s a communal act of kindness.

Myths That Need to Die

Here are a few myths that these Insta-spiritual folks keep pushing, and let’s be honest—it’s garbage.

• Myth 1: You only need lemon water to "detox"Sure, if you want to mess up your stomach lining, go for it. But real fasting involves sattvic foods, keeping balance, and giving your body what it needs. Lemon water alone? That’s not cleansing your soul—that’s just screwing with your stomach.

• Myth 2: Fasting means only eating fruitNo. Traditional fasting means eating nourishing sattvic foods. Fruits are fine, but you need more than that to keep your energy levels up and maintain balance.

• Myth 3: One meal a day during NavratriWho started this nonsense? Fasting doesn’t mean starving yourself to the brink of collapse. You’re supposed to have two or three small meals spread out during the day. It’s about balance and moderation, not torturing yourself for likes.

Fasting Was Never Meant to Be a Trend

Somewhere along the way, the real meaning of fasting got lost. People traded discipline and devotion for dopamine hits from Instagram likes. Instead of purifying the mind, they’re focused on perfecting their captions.

Traditional fasting isn’t just about you. It’s about the community. It’s about giving—whether that’s your time, your food, or your energy. When our ancestors fasted, they made sure others didn’t go hungry. What’s the point of fasting if it’s all for personal gain?

Fasting in its true sense is a spiritual reset, not a flex. It’s about putting your body and mind through a bit of discomfort to come out the other side with more clarity and focus. But if you’re just skipping meals to get likes, then let’s not pretend you’re on some spiritual journey. You’re just following a trend and missing the whole point.

If You’re Gonna Fast, Do It Right

If you’re serious about fasting, then do it with respect—both for yourself and the tradition behind it. It’s not just about eating less; it’s about being selfless. If you really want to channel those spiritual vibes, how about cooking a meal and giving it to someone in need? That’s how it used to be done. And guess what? That’s still how it should be done.

Fasting isn’t a game, and it’s definitely not for show. So, next time you’re about to post that lemon water selfie, maybe take a second and think—what’s this really about?