While Western culture views fasting as a diet trend ( intermittent fasting ), for Indian women, it is spiritual currency. Karva Chauth , Teej , and Maha Shivratri involve going without water or food for the longevity of the family. But the modern take is social. Rooftop Karva Chauth parties with mehendi (henna) and gossip have turned these strict rituals into community bonding sessions.