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PM Narendra Modi credits his lifelong fasting practice—including Chaturmas and Navratri fasts—as a source of discipline, mental clarity, and sustained energy.
PM Modi appears on Lex Fridman Podcast (Photo: YouTube/ Lex Fridman)
At 74, Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to inspire with his remarkable stamina and disciplined lifestyle. A key factor behind his enduring energy is his lifelong commitment to fasting, a practice he has followed for over five decades. In a conversation with US-based podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman, Modi offered rare insights into his fasting habits and how they have shaped his overall well-being.
Modi’s Fasting Practices: A Tradition of Discipline
PM Modi follows the ancient Indian tradition of Chaturmas, a four-month-long fasting period that begins in mid-June and lasts until after Diwali. During this time, he consumes only one meal a day, a routine he believes aligns with the body’s natural digestion cycle, especially during the monsoon season.
His fasting discipline extends beyond Chaturmas. During Navratri, Modi follows an even more rigorous regimen, abstaining from food completely for nine days while consuming only hot water. He revealed that drinking hot water has been a constant in his daily routine, and over time, his body naturally adapted to this habit.
Another significant fasting period for him is Chaitra Navratri in March or April. During this time, he eats only one type of fruit per day for nine days straight. “If I choose papaya, then for all nine days, I won’t eat anything else—just papaya,” he shared. This deep-rooted tradition of fasting, he emphasized, has been an integral part of his life for more than 50 years.
The Power of Fasting: Modi’s Perspective
Reflecting on the benefits of fasting, PM Modi explained, “When you fast, your senses—smell, touch, and taste—become significantly more sensitive.” For him, fasting is not just about physical health but a form of self-discipline and devotion. Contrary to the common belief that fasting weakens the body, Modi sees it as a tool to enhance mental clarity, strengthen willpower, and restore inner balance.
“Fasting doesn’t slow me down; it makes me sharper,” he stated, highlighting how the practice has helped him maintain focus, resilience, and a sense of spiritual and physical harmony throughout his journey as a leader.