doha • An Indian Hindu from Kerala, who has been fasting during Ramadan for the past several years, says he has benefited immensely from the practice both spiritually and physically.

The man, who does not want his name in print fearing that people might think it is a publicity stunt, says even his closest friends do not know that he fasts during the Islamic holy month.

“Only my close family members know that I fast during every Ramadan and they feel happy about it," he told this newspaper yesterday. According to him, it all began more than 20 years ago when he was working in Mumbai where most of his friends were Muslims from his state.

Having arrived here in 1986 to work, he again found himself in the company of Muslims and continued with the practice of fasting during Ramadan.

And the interesting part is that he gets invited by some of his Muslim acquaintances in the community for Iftar parties without them being aware that he was actually fasting.

He avoids non-vegetarian and rich food all through the fasting month and says the practice has helped him maintain good physical and mental health.

"Even at this age I don't have any ailment like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or excess fat. I feel fit," he said.