Chhath Fasting on Periods: Is It Safe for Women? Here’s What You Need to Know

Chhath Puja is one of the most demanding and spiritually powerful festivals for Hindu women. The 36-hour nirjala fast, observed without food or water, is considered a deep act of devotion to the Sun God. But many women wonder: what if I get my period during Chhath? Can I still fast or take part in the rituals?

Traditionally, menstruation has been surrounded by restrictions in religious observances. Yet, times have changed, and so has our understanding of menstrual health. To clear the confusion, we spoke with Dr Pooja C. Thukral, Senior Consultant – Gynaecologist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Faridabad, who shared a balanced, compassionate, and health-focused view on fasting during periods.

Should You Fast During Chhath While on Your Periods?

The Chhath Puja fast is physically demanding. It involves standing for long hours in water and abstaining from food and water for 36 straight hours. “Medically, it’s not advisable to take such a rigorous fast during menstruation,” says Dr Thukral. It is not an ordinary ritual, as it involves performing physical rituals for long hours.

Dr Thukral says this makes fasting during periods particularly difficult. “One of the rituals involves standing in water that usually reaches waist level. So, if a woman is menstruating, it’s not possible for her to stay in that communal water pool,” she added. 

ALSO READ: Can Pregnant Women Fast for 36 Hours During Chhath Puja? We Asked An Expert

Postponing Periods: A Practical Suggestion

One practical solution, Dr Thukral suggests, is to postpone the menstrual cycle temporarily if possible. “It would be great if a lady who is due to fast could postpone her period while she has to fast for 36 hours,” she says. “That way she can keep the fast and continue with the tradition.”

This can be done safely under medical guidance using hormonal pills, but only after consulting a gynaecologist. “Any medication to delay periods should be prescribed and monitored by a doctor,” Dr Thukral stresses.

If You Are on Your Period and Here’s What to Do

For women who are menstruating and don’t want to alter their cycle, Dr Thukral offers a caring, realistic alternative. “Because it involves no food and water for 36 hours, and she would be menstruating, I suggest she continue with devotion in her heart and help other family members with the rituals, but avoid such prolonged fasts,” she advises.

Here’s what she recommends instead:

• Avoid fasting for long hours — it may cause dizziness, nausea, or fainting.
• Stay hydrated — drink water or light fluids to prevent weakness.
• Rest when needed — the body already loses energy during menstruation.
• Focus on devotion — you can worship, meditate, or assist others, keeping the fast.

“At any cost, nothing should affect your health,” she adds. “We don’t want you to fall sick while you are fasting and menstruating at the same time. Devotion in the heart is more important than the physical rituals.”

While spiritual fasting holds emotional significance, research shows that fasting during periods can intensify fatigue and dehydration. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition & Metabolism found that fasting during menstruation may increase tiredness and affect blood sugar stability due to hormonal changes and blood loss. That’s why health experts recommend adequate rest, hydration, and nutrition during this phase, especially when the body is already under strain.

Choosing Faith with Care

Dr Thukral sums it up simply: “Faith is personal. If you feel strong and wish to take part in Chhath Puja, that’s your choice. But your health must always come first.” She reminds women that the essence of Chhath lies in devotion and gratitude, not physical sacrifice. “You can honour the Sun God by meditating, praying, and helping others during the rituals without risking your health.”

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

Conclusion

Chhath Puja is a celebration of strength and faith, but observing the 36-hour fast while on your period can be physically risky. Dr Pooja Thukral advises either postponing periods through medical guidance or avoiding the fast altogether. At its core, the festival is about the sincerity of devotion, not the endurance of pain. For modern women, maintaining health while embracing faith is the best way to honour traditions meaningfully.