Question about Upapada fasting (how to)

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dear listmembers and respected gurujis,

 

can someone please enlighten me about the exact method of fasting on

upapada days?

 

I am fasting (as per Visti's instructions) today (thursday) but I

have a few questions for clarification.

 

1) Do I chant a mantra for Guru? if so, what do I chant?

2) I do not have a rudraksha. could I just chant the mantra without

it?

3) here in canada, the sun does not go down till later on at night.

Do I stay on the fast until 9pm or so, or can I break it at 6pm

(usually the time in India when the sun sets).

4) is there anything at all I can eat or drink other than water?

this is my first fast, and I have a horrible headache that is

probably because of the empty stomach.

 

thanks in advance.

 

regards,

rani.