Should Women Over 60 Observe the 36-Hour Chhath Puja Fast?

Every year, the sacred festival of Chhath Puja sees women of all ages keeping a rigorous 36-hour fast and more. They stand in rivers, offer prayers to the rising sun, and embrace this deep tradition of devotion and discipline. For many, it is a time of spiritual renewal and community bonding. But for women over 60, whose bodies may not respond the way younger ones do, is a full 36-hour fast always safe? While it is an act of faith and endurance, women over a certain age need to carefully consider their health before observing such a prolonged fast.

Fasting Risks for Women Over 60

Edwina Raj, Head of Services - Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, explains the health concerns. “Women over 60 should be very careful before observing a 36-hour fast without food and water. At this age, the body’s ability to handle dehydration and weakness diminishes. Such prolonged fasting can lead to dizziness, low blood pressure, and exhaustion. Many elderly women also have chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or joint pain, which can worsen during fasting.”

She recommends a gentler approach:

• Consider a milder fast by consuming fruits, coconut water, or light liquids before sunrise
• Maintain energy levels to avoid complications
• Remember that the spiritual purpose of fasting is devotion, not physical suffering
• Always consult a doctor or dietitian to ensure safety during fasting

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Why the 36-Hour Fast Can Be Risky After 60

As we age, our bodies face changes that make extended fasting riskier than it might have been in younger years:

• Hydration levels drop more quickly, and thirst signals may be less strong.
• Muscles and joints may be weaker, making stamina and standing in the water for hours more taxing.
• Many older women carry chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or osteoarthritis that may worsen when fluids and food are withheld.
• The body’s recovery systems slow down: healing, blood-sugar control, and cardiac resilience may all decline with age.

A 2023 study found that older adults are at higher risk of low-intake dehydration than younger adults due to physiological and cognitive changes. This supports the caution around prolonged fasting without appropriate preparation. Research around intermittent or dry fasting in older adults shows mixed benefits and clear risks. Another Harvard Health article notes that older adults practising prolonged fasting may face dehydration, muscle loss and bone weakening.

A Health-Supported Approach to Fasting

If a woman over 60 still wishes to observe the spirit of Chhath Puja fasting, Edwina Raj suggests a modified, safer version:

• Begin the fast with light liquids such as coconut water or fresh fruit juice, rather than complete abstinence.
• Focus on easy-to-digest foods and gentle hydration as the fast opens.
• Limit standing in cold water for extended periods; take breaks if needed.
• Stay alert for signs of low blood pressure (dizziness when standing), blood-sugar dips (tremor, confusion) or excessive fatigue.
• Consult a healthcare provider ahead of time if you have chronic illnesses or take medications that require food or hydration.
• Emphasise the spiritual purpose over the physical hardship: the ritual is about devotion, not proving endurance.

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Conclusion

For women over 60, the 36-hour fast of Chhath Puja can still be meaningful, but it must be approached with caution and wisdom. Instead of pushing the body to exhaustion, adapting the fast to include light nourishment and hydration honours the spirit of the ritual while safeguarding health. With the right mindset and preparation, devotion and well-being can go hand in hand.