March 2nd marks the beginning of the fasting period for Bahá'ís around the world. The fast lasts a total of 19 days (until March 20th). This is the equivalent of one month in the Baha'i calendar. March 21st marks the New Year for Bahá'ís (Naw Ruz). During the fasting period Bahá'ís do not drink or eat between sunrise and sunset. Those not in a position to observe the Fast for health or other reasons (women in pregnancy, the elderly, the ill) are exempted.

INFORM TV INTERVIEWS SHIMA YAZDANI (GERMAN)

Woche 11/2007 12.03.2007- Wie faste ich richtig? – Gespräch Warum werden Fastenkuren immer beliebter? Die Ernährungsberaterin Shima Yazdani erklärt Sulamith Ehrensperger im Studiogespräch den Trend. Die diplomierte Ernährungsberaterin gibt zudem Tipps, um den richtigen Einstieg in eine Fastenkur zu finden. Link

WHY FAST?

"Fasting is a symbol. Fasting signifies abstinence from lust. Physical fasting is the symbol of that abstinence, and is a reminder; that is, just as a person abstains from physical appetites, he is to abstain from self-appetites and self-desires. But mere abstinence from food has no effect on the spirit. It is only a symbol, a reminder. Otherwise it is of no importance. Fasting for this purpose does not mean entire abstinence from food. The golden rule as to food is, do not take too much or too little. Moderation is necessary. ...A man is not fit to do service for God with brain or body if he is weakened by lack of food. He cannot see clearly."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, "Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era," p. 184)