Teen fasts for 34 days, loses 33 pounds

CHICAGO, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- A suburban Chicago teen went without food for 34 days to mark a religious festival celebrated by followers of Jainism, an ancient Indian religion.

By the time her fast had ended, Eva Mehta of Evanston had lost 33 pounds and needed to use a wheelchair to get around, the Chicago Tribune reported Monday.

Many members of Mehta's temple fasted during the festival of Paryushan Parva but none went without food as long as she did.

"I always tried to keep my mind, just pray to my god every day," Mehta said. "I would pray, just help me get rid of this feeling. I always pinch my ear and pray whenever I'm hungry."

Members of Jainism regard fasting as a spiritual discipline.

While many faiths have ascetic traditions that embrace fasting, few carry it to such lengths as the Jains, the Tribune says.

Jainism teaches a path to enlightenment through a life founded on non-violence to all creatures. Followers represent less than 1 percent of India's population.