Preface

In simple words, Parv means a festival.  It signifies celebration of an occasion.  From the mundane activities of the material world, an environment of festivities is created projecting a  mood  of happiness,  devotion and enthusiasm.     Just as knots of a bamboo keep it upright and unified; similarly, Parvs uphold our traditions, our culture and our heritage and keeps the society unified.  That is how on all important festivals, we witness a huge congregation of  hundreds and thousands of persons at  the places of worship.

Parvs are celebrated since the Vedic period and they connect the present to the past and help carry forward our legacy to the next generation. At the same time, they provide an opportunity to concentrate, pay obeisance, make spiritual progress and be in tune with your favourite Lord. 

At the superficial  level, Vrat means observing fast.  But its deeper meaning is ‘a firm resolve’.  In order to achieve anything in life, it is important to resolve firmly and have a burning desire.  Having been blessed with the human form, there could be no other important and intense desire than to be one with God.  Observance of  vrat  is one of the most important mediums because it helps in cleansing the body, brings about stability of mind and enhances the power of concentration.  With stability of mind, the dirt of Tamoguna and Rajoguna  is washed offand the fragrance of Satoguna is established.

A synonymous word for vrat is upvaas.  It is a combination of two words – Up + Vaas.  Up means ‘near’ and Vass means ‘to reside, to live’ – Atmatatva to live near Paramtatva.  Vrat does not merely mean to observe fast or to remain hungry.  Upvaas really means to practice relinquishing attachment to the material world and have a firm resolve to attain self-realization / God realization.  Vrat, in a larger dimension, calls for an overall discipline – to exercise restraint on food, life style,  on your behavior, attitude,  speech, thinking process and intensely concentrating on God because, in reality, you are truly a part of  Him and to be one with Him is the eternal quest of every soul.

Observing ‘nirjala upvaas’ thoughout the day has a scientific and medical validity also.  In addition to giving rest to the organs of digestive system, it generates tremendous amount of heat in the body which is capable of eradicating many ailments and ensures maintenance of good health.