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Cover Story

Cleansing the Body and Mind

Fasting as a way of cleansing the body, teaching self-discipline and attaining spiritual enlightenment, has been prescribed by many religions and practiced from ancient times. Apart from Muslims, for whom the month of Ramadan is characterised by complete abstinence from food and water during daylight hours, Jewish people observe a daylong fast during Yom Kippur and Christians refrain from eating animal products during Lent. Hindus and Budhists also have traditions of fasting as part of religious rites. But fasting has also been used as a means of healing and rejuvenating the body in modern healthcare, which indicates the significant health benefits of this practice. To get the full advantage of fasting, however, eating the right kind of food and the right amount when the fast is over and before the next day's fast, is just as important.

Cover Photo: Zahedul I Khan
Cover Design: Manan Murshed

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