Q: I understand that there is a tradition of fasting on certain days of the month. Why should we do these fasts and do you recommend it?

Q: I understand that there is a tradition of fasting on certain days of the month. Why should we do these fasts and do you recommend it?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: The ancient people knew that our body being 60% water, full moon and new moon days affect our body and aggravates any chronic illness. So three days before the full moon or new moon they ask you to fast so that all the food that you have had gets flushed out and the body gets cleansed.
Fasting cleanses the body and the base of the toxins and harmful bacteria is removed.
Then on the twelfth day, the first thing one should eat is a particular type of green vegetable so that the body gets enough anti-oxidants and becomes stronger. That was a system created, but it is not necessary that you have to fast on these days.
One can only marvel at the brilliance of the traditions that our people made in the past. People would wear a sacred thread and when they have to use the toilet they would tie it around their left or the right ear. One scientist did an experiment where it was found that there are nerves behind the ear, which when squeezed, enhances bowel movements. You should marvel at the depth of knowledge the ancient people had.