Fast for peace Jain Community members go for eight days without eating

Indian Jains gather in support of 1,008 of their community members who have been on a symbolic fast for world peace for the past eight days in Hyderabad, in the south of the country.

The fast began on 17 July and concluded yesterday with a grand gala function attended by 10,000 Jain devotees.

The fasting devotees have taken only boiled water since the action began.

Fasting is very common in Jain spirituality. The monsoon period is a time of fasting, and fasting is a regular feature of Jain festivals.

Fasting is more often done by Jain women than men.