Breaking the 36-Hour Chhath Fast: Should You Drink Hot Water with Ginger and Jaggery?

Chhath Puja is one of the most spiritually intense and physically demanding festivals observed across parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The 36-hour fast, where devotees refrain from food and water, is a true test of endurance and devotion. Once the rituals conclude, breaking the fast, known as Paran, becomes a delicate process. 

What you consume first after this long fast can affect how well your body recovers. After going without food or water for such a long period, breaking the fast gently and thoughtfully is crucial for the body's recovery. Among traditional ways, drinking hot water with ginger and jaggery is a popular choice. But is it truly safe and beneficial? Read ahead to know. 

Why Is the Breaking of the Fast Important?

The 36-hour Nirjala fast is demanding on the body, as it involves strict abstinence from both food and water. Once this fasting period ends, sudden intake of heavy or spicy foods can shock the digestive system and cause discomfort like acidity or nausea. That’s why starting slow with gentle nourishment is important.

Edwina Raj, Head of Services - Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, explains, “Breaking such a long fast requires care. Hot water helps rehydrate the body, ginger aids digestion and warms the stomach, and jaggery provides natural energy and stabilises blood sugar levels.”

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

The Benefits of Hot Water with Ginger and Jaggery

This simple combination works as a gentle tonic for the body. The expert explains:

• Warm water: Helps soothe the stomach and jumpstarts digestion after fasting.
• Ginger: Contains compounds like gingerol that reduce inflammation, ease nausea, and promote digestion.
• Jaggery: Provides natural sugar that restores lost energy and stabilises blood glucose levels.

Raj adds that this mixture “helps the body recover slowly and safely after the long Chhath Puja fast.” However, she also advises caution: “People with acidity, diabetes, or sensitive stomachs should drink it in small amounts or consult a doctor first. Avoid very hot or spicy drinks immediately after fasting, as they may irritate the stomach.”

What to Eat After Drinking Ginger-Jaggery Water

Following the initial drink, consuming light, easily digestible foods helps reintroduce nutrients gradually. Ideal options include:

• Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, or papaya
• Rice kheer, which is gentle and nourishing
• Cooked dals or khichdi for sustained energy release
• Soft vegetables and lightly spiced preparations
• Eating slowly and in small portions allows the stomach to adjust safely after fast-breaking.

A study shows that fasting can offer benefits like improved blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, and better heart health in healthy individuals. However, prolonged fasting without hydration can also lead to risks such as dehydration, fatigue, and low blood pressure, especially in older adults or those with health issues.

Practical Tips to Break Your Chhath Fast Healthily

• Start with lukewarm water or beverages like ginger-jaggery water.
• Avoid caffeinated, carbonated, or very sugary drinks initially.
• Introduce fresh fruits and light meals as the first solid foods.
• Avoid heavy, oily, and spicy foods for the first few hours.
• Rest adequately after breaking the fast to support digestion.

ALSO READ: What to Eat During Rasiya: A Guide to Chhath Puja’s Sacred 36-Hour Fast?

Conclusion

Breaking the 36-hour Chhath Puja fast with hot water, ginger, and jaggery can be a safe and effective way to nourish your body after rigorous fasting. As Edwina Raj says, this combination rehydrates, aids digestion, and offers natural energy to help you transition smoothly back to eating. Mindful eating and hydration will ensure that your spiritual journey remains as healthy physically as it is meaningful spiritually.