Best friends for 22 yrs fast for ‘Paryushan’ together

Vadodara: The eight-day fast in Jainism during ‘Paryushan’ is one of the most difficult penances. Many following Jainism are also hesitant do it. But a businessman from the city who does not belong to the Jain community took up the penance known as ‘Athai’ and seeing him, his Jain friend also fasted for eight days.
The businessman Navghansinh Chudasama took up the penance inspired by his mother who had observed ‘Athai’ many years ago. “My mother had fasted many years ago as we had many Jains in our neighbourhood so this year, I felt that I should observe fast during ‘Paryushan’,” said Chudasama. He added that he had initially decided to fast for three days, but as days passed, he continued it till the eighth day. When Chudasama expressed his feelings for observing fast to his friend for 22 years Uresh Kothari, the latter also jumped in and joined Chudasama.
“He was firm about his decision of observing fast, so I also joined in observing ‘Athai’ to support him,” said Kothari, also a businessman. Kothari had not observed eight-day-long penance in last 28 years. The two friends supported each other through all eight days. As per the tradition, the person fasting has to chant mantras three times before consuming boiled water. Since Chudasama did not know the mantras, he would call up Kothari who would then chant the mantras for him.
On all eight days, Chudasama and Kothari visited ‘Upashray’ together where their religious heads would give sermons. Chudasama said that he did not find any problem while surviving on boiled water as he was determined. “I observe fasts during the month of Shravan and on other occasions. Although these are not as challenging as ‘Athai’, I could make it through easily,” he said.
The two friends broke their fast on Tuesday for which Kothari and his family had organized a gathering for their friends and relatives.