Karwa Chauth, traditionally observed by married women, is not just a ritual of devotion but a natural health practice that modern science recognizes as a form of intermittent fasting. According to Dr Sajeev Nair, the fast — from sunrise to moonrise — spans about 12 hours, a period proven to trigger beneficial metabolic changes in the body.

Effect On Obesity And Cardiovascular Health

The 12-hour food abstinence depletes glycogen stores in muscles and the liver, prompting the body to burn visceral fat — the most dangerous kind of fat surrounding vital organs. This shift makes the Karwa Chauth fast an effective natural mechanism to combat obesity and lower cardiovascular risks.

Building Resilience Through Fasting

Resilience, as Dr Nair explains, is the body’s ability to neutralize excesses and recover balance. Fasting reduces the need for excessive insulin release, preventing insulin resistance — a key factor behind diabetes and obesity. Hence, periodic fasting like that practiced during Karwa Chauth can improve metabolic resilience.

Restoring Hormonal Balance

For women, this traditional fasting has distinct hormonal benefits. A 12-hour fast can raise SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) levels, helping regulate androgens, control Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and support reproductive health. It also optimizes insulin, leptin, ghrelin, and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) activity — hormones that manage hunger, energy, and cell repair. In men, such fasting has been observed to boost testosterone naturally.

Fasting For Longevity

Karwa Chauth’s fasting duration activates autophagy — the body’s self-cleansing process that removes damaged cells. This mechanism enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, strengthens gut health, and lowers the risk of heart diseases and cancer. Moreover, increased BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels improve mental clarity, memory, and mood.

A Gentle Entry Into Fasting

While Karwa Chauth occurs once annually, it can serve as inspiration for adopting manageable fasting habits. Dr Nair suggests simple time-restricted eating — like ensuring 12 food-free hours between dinner and breakfast — to enjoy the benefits of fasting without discomfort.

Is Fasting Suitable For Everyone?

Dr Nair notes that intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating may not benefit everyone equally, as genetic factors influence outcomes. Some may find portion control more effective. Personalized genomic lifestyle solutions like Eplimo can help identify the fasting style that best suits one’s genetic profile.

Renowned Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda passed away on Wednesday, eleven days after suffering critical injuries in a motorcycle accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district. The 35-year-old singer had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Mohali, Punjab, where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to police, Jawanda met with an accident on September 27 while riding to Shimla. The mishap occurred near Baddi, where he lost control of his motorcycle and sustained severe head and spinal injuries. He was immediately rushed to Fortis Hospital in Mohali and had been on ventilator support since the incident.

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring expressed deep grief over Jawanda’s untimely demise. “Saddened by the passing away of Rajvir Jawanda ji. We all prayed for his speedy recovery but sadly god had other plans,” Warring shared on social media, extending condolences to the singer’s family and fans.

A native of Pona village in Ludhiana’s Jagraon, Jawanda had built a massive fan base in the Punjabi music industry with popular tracks like Tu Dis Penda, Khush Reha Kar, Sardari, Surname, Afreen, Landlord, Down to Earth, and Kangani.

Apart from his musical success, Rajvir Jawanda also showcased his acting skills in Punjabi films such as Subedar Joginder Singh (2018), Jind Jaan (2019), and Mindo Taseeldarni (2019).

Jawanda is survived by his wife and two children. His passing has left the Punjabi entertainment industry and fans across the globe in deep mourning.

India registered a resounding victory over West Indies by an innings and 140 runs on Day 3 of the first Test in Ahmedabad. The hosts, led by Shubman Gill, dominated every session as their bowling unit — spearheaded by Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj — dismantled the visitors twice in just over two days.

After declaring at their overnight score of 448/5, India bundled out West Indies for 146 in their second innings, sealing the match in emphatic fashion. With this win, India took a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

Jadeja and Siraj Lead the Charge

Ravindra Jadeja showcased his mastery on home soil with a superb 4/54, while Mohammed Siraj continued his stellar form, taking 3/31, completing a seven-wicket match haul. The pacer later said, “Feeling very happy, we did well with both bat and ball. The wicket was slow, but we executed our plans well. It’s a special feeling to contribute at home.”

Jadeja’s consistency and Siraj’s aggression proved too much for the Caribbean batters, who struggled to handle India’s relentless attack.

West Indies Collapse Despite Athanaze’s Effort

Alick Athanaze fought valiantly, scoring 38, while Justin Greaves added 25, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered. Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.

The West Indies’ batting woes continued, with this being their fifth consecutive innings defeat against India in India — following losses in Kolkata (2013), Mumbai (2013), Rajkot (2018), and Hyderabad (2018).

India’s Batting Foundation

India’s dominant total of 448 was powered by contributions across the order. KL Rahul, who has been in fine form since the England tour, continued his purple patch. The batting unit, including Shubman Gill and others, showed composure and responsibility throughout the innings.

With this victory, India not only extended their unbeaten home run but also set the tone for the remainder of the series.