'Lent', a period of 40 days of fasting and prayer before Easter, is observed by:

Lent is a period of about 40 days of fasting, prayer, repentance and self-discipline, observed by Christians before Easter, the festival of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is observed especially by Catholics, Orthodox Christians and many Protestant churches.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends just before Easter Sunday. The 40 days recall the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert, where he was tempted by Satan, before he began his public ministry. (Sundays are usually not counted in the 40 days.) On Ash Wednesday, Christians go to church, where the priest marks their foreheads with a cross of ashes, as a reminder of human mortality and the need for repentance, saying words such as "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return".

During Lent, Christians try to grow closer to God through three main practices: prayer, fasting (or giving up certain foods or pleasures, such as meat, sweets or entertainment) and almsgiving (giving to the poor). Many Catholics do not eat meat on Fridays during Lent. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week. It begins with Palm Sunday, which recalls Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and includes Maundy Thursday (the Last Supper), Good Friday (the crucifixion) and Holy Saturday. Lent ends with the joyful celebration of Easter Sunday.

In Goa, the Carnival is held in the days just before Lent, as a time of feasting and fun before the period of fasting begins. In many countries, the day before Ash Wednesday is called Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday").

Other religions also have periods of fasting, such as Ramadan in Islam, Paryushana in Jainism, and Yom Kippur in Judaism.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Jews observe Yom Kippur, a day of fasting and atonement.
• ✗Muslims observe the fast of Ramadan.
• ✗Jains observe the fasts of Paryushana.