Actress Nehal Vadoliya, known for her bold roles in web series such as Gandii Baat 3, Julie 1-2, Mastram, Woodpecker, Dunali 1-2, and Imli, as well as TV shows like Vighnaharta Ganesha, Aap Ke Aa Jane Se, and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, says that Mahashivratri is an important festival for her. She adds that this she celebrates the day with a lot of reverence.
“Mahashivratri is a very special day as it marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati when Shivji embraced family life. On this day, I observe a strict fast, which means I do not eat grains, vegetables, or chapati. I only consume fruits and falahar (light fasting foods). The most important part of the fast is staying awake the whole night (jagran), as that is essential to complete the vrat. Throughout the day, I engage in bhajan-kirtan, chanting Lord Shiva’s name (Naamjap), and visiting the temple for Jal Abhishek (offering water to Shivling). A small practice I follow is that before eating or drinking anything, I take Lord Shiva’s name (Om Namah Shivay), and if someone is around, I ask them to respond with Om Namah Shivay. If no one is there, I say it twice before consuming anything,” she says.
Talking about the importance of the day in her life, she says, “Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati mean everything to me, and this is their special day. On Mahashivratri, I feel strong, positive, and full of divine energy. I experience a deep sense of purity and devotion. So far, I haven’t done any professional work related to bhakti and seva, but even if I have commitments that day, apart from a podcast or an interview, my focus will remain on fasting and devotion. My work usually takes just 1-2 hours, so I am fully immersed in spreading devotion during this time.”
Fasting can be tough alongside hectic schedules. But this does not deter the actress from doing her duties. “I observe a strict fast. As mentioned earlier, I do ratri jagran (staying awake all night). Fasting is never a problem for me, even with work. In fact, if I have to work that day, I become even more strict with my fast and follow only a water fast, absolutely no food. Managing everything comes naturally to me; it’s not difficult at all.”
She adds, “Fasting makes me feel powerful. It fills me with the urge to serve others. On this day, I love cooking for my family, preparing whatever they like. I also make sure to spend time with my cows and dogs. This is a very personal and special part of my life, and I truly enjoy being with them, especially on fasting days. On Mahashivratri, I become even stricter with myself. If I’m working that day, I follow only a water fast,no food at all. The key to staying energized is Naamjap (chanting Lord Shiva’s name). I never feel weak while fasting, but if at any moment I start feeling low, chanting Om Namah Shivay makes me feel strong again. That is the real source of my energy.”
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