Blind faith combined with ignorance......

The surviving members claimed that they were observing a 40-day fast to overcome the influence of black magic' and remained unrepentent even after the incident.
The well-educated middle class family was following the superstitious practice of keeping fast for 40 days, claiming that "it was as per the orders of the Khwaja," said an official.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Fasting-for-38-days-claim...