Goa, March 5 -- The formal establishment of Lent's start date occurred in AD 601 when Pope Gregory adjusted the beginning of Lent to 46 days prior to Easter, simultaneously instituting Ash Wednesday. This arrangement permits 40 days of fasting, during which only one full meal and no meat are permitted, while six Sundays are designated as feast days, exempting them from fasting, resulting in a total of 46 days. Additionally, Pope Gregory initiated the practice of marking the foreheads of parishioners with ashes in the shape of a cross. The significance of ashes raises an important question.

The practice of marking oneself with ashes has its roots in ancient customs. The liturgical application of ashes is evident in the Old Testament, wher...