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Would you fast for your loved one? Nepali women in Australia just did
Australia’s Nepali Hindu community, one of the fastest-growing groups in the country, celebrated Teej this week. As part of the annual festival, many women fast for more than 24 hours for their partner’s health and wellbeing, but some people are questioning the modern relevance of this age-old practice.
Published 1 September 2022 9:53pm
Updated 6 September 2022 6:20pm
By Dinita Rishal
Source: SBS
Image: Nepali women dancing as they celebrate Teej in Sydney, Australia on 30 August, 2022. (SBS Nepali/Dinita Rishal)
Highlights:
- Australia's Nepali community celebrates the annual Teej festival
- To fast or not to fast? Community members weigh in
- Some members of the community hope to help their culture flourish, while others say it needs to adapt to the times
Haritalika Teej is a festival celebrated primarily by Hindu women in Nepal and India.
While married women fast for their husband's long and healthy life, unmarried women fast and pray for a good future partner.
Clad in red traditional outfits, women enjoy a fun-filled day of prayer, singing and dancing, all on an empty stomach.
The festival normally falls in mid to late August, with the date determined by the traditional Hindu lunar calendar.
This year, Teej was celebrated on Tuesday, 30 August.
Nepali women dressed in traditional jewellery and red attire during Teej. Credit: SBS Nepali/Dinita Rishal
With almost 83.7 per cent of Nepalis in Australia identifying as Hindus, they say Teej is one of the ways of keeping their culture and traditions close to heart.
Women wait in line to worship during Teej at Sydney's Mukti-Gupteshwar temple. Credit: SBS Nepali/Dinita Rishal
Rejina Subedi is a 21-year-old international student in Sydney.
She said fasting during the festival was a family affair back in Nepal.
"Here, we do not have family, but having family-like friends is amazing. It is definitely our duty to help our culture flourish."
According to ancient Hindu scriptures, Teej is celebrated as a commemoration of the union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.
Nepali women sing and dance during Teej at Mukti-Gupteshwar Temple in Minto, Sydney. Credit: SBS Nepali/Dinita Rishal
This same storyline encourages women of all ages to fast for their current or future partners.
Seventy-two-year-old Sudha Neupane recalls that she started fasting as a teenager.
I started fasting around 15 or 16 years of age and have been doing it every year since then. I am fasting today too.Sudha Neupane
"Since this fast is for Lord Shiva, I started fasting with the belief and hope of getting his blessings," she said.
In actuality, Teej begins a day before when fasting women, and some men, gorge on a lavish meal.
That day is known as “Dar Khane Din”, or the day to feast on nutritious, high-calorie tasty food. Women organise and enjoy traditional feasts up till midnight, with the motive of saving up energy for the next day of fasting.
People worship in the presence of a priest during Teej festival in Sydney's Mukti-Gupteshwar temple. Credit: SBS Nepali/Dinita Rishal
Sydney GP Dr Srijana Sharma said that eating well during "Dar Khane Din" is important to satisfy one's hunger before fasting, but overeating should be avoided.
"It is important to eat a balanced healthy diet before fasting, including fruits, vegetables and lean protein," she said.
She added that while fasting has some proven health benefits, one should balance its risks and benefits by taking into account physical health and medical history.
"Several studies have shown that fasting can help with insulin resistance hence regulate blood sugar level and improve cardiovascular health through blood pressure and cholesterol levels," she said.
There are some risks for people with diabetes, a history of eating disorders, people taking medications with food, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.Srijana Sharma, Sydney GP
She said it could cause short-term side effects like headaches, dehydration and lack of energy.
"Fasting can also make you moody and can sometimes lead to eating disorders if done incorrectly and for a prolonged period," Dr Srijana said.
Women at Sydney's Mukti-Gupteshwar temple in Sydney's Minto during Teej. Credit: SBS Nepali/Dinita Rishal
Ms Pokhrel is in Australia for a family reunion and believes it is not mandatory to stay hungry to prove one's faith.
"It is our duty to preserve our culture and traditions, but that does not mean we have to fast if it harms our health," she said.
In my family, we do not kill our souls and stay hungry. We eat fruits and other food too if needed for energy, and we focus on enjoying the day together, rather than going without food.Laxmi Pokhrel
Although Teej fasting is predominantly observed by women, many men believe in breaking cultural stereotypes and fasting for their wives or prospective future partners.
Sydney resident Sunil Sadaula said that when both the husband and wife fast for each other, it helps to deepen the marital bond between them.
"It feels good that my wife is fasting for me, and I am also fasting for her, without drinking water," he said.
I felt like if she fasts for me, why can't I fast for her? People might speak negatively about it, but it's good healthwise to fast once or twice a year.Sunil Sadaula
Abhijit Pariyar is another international student in his 20s.
He believes fasting is for his family's and his future partner's good.
"It's been four years since I left home and came to Australia. It is definitely possible to fast one day for my family, and this fast is my small commitment towards them," he said.
It does not matter what gender. If girls can fast for Shiva, why can't boys fast for the same Shiva? So that they can get Parvati as well!Abhijit Pariyar
Family gatherings during Teej celebration in Sydney's Mukti-Gupteshwar temple. Credit: SBS Nepali/Dinita Rishal
She said many practices like fasting during Teej are a nod to the patriarchal way of ancient life, and they need to go.
"Women should not need to prove themselves to anyone," she told SBS Nepali.
They should be able to choose their own partner and be financially stable. I believe, with financial stability, (domestic) violence can also be eliminated."
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