6 articles in this category
Vrats & fasting
Vrats — devotional fasts — are one of the most-practiced and least-understood elements of Hindu life. Below: when each falls, what it does, who it serves, and how to keep it properly.
- 01
Thursday fast (Guruvar): for wisdom, marriage, and Jupiter's blessing
🌙Thursdays are ruled by Jupiter (Guru/Brihaspati) - the planet of wisdom, dharma, and benevolence. The Guruvar Vrat is observed especially by women for marriage and family stability.
Vidhata Editorial Desk · 2 Jan 2026 · 6 min read
- 02
Monday vrat (Somwar): the weekly Shiva fast for marriage and harmony
🌙Mondays are ruled by the Moon, and dedicated to Shiva. The Monday vrat is one of the simplest, most observed weekly fasts in north India. Here is what it asks and gives.
Vidhata Editorial Desk · 11 Nov 2025 · 6 min read
- 03
Saturday fast (Shanivar): pacifying Saturn, who rewards patience
🌙Saturday is Shani's day - and Shani is the most feared planet in Vedic astrology. The Shanivar Vrat is for those undergoing Sade Sati, Shani Mahadasha, or chronic Saturn-related struggle.
Vidhata Editorial Desk · 28 Aug 2025 · 7 min read
- 04
Sankashti Chaturthi: when Ganesha removes obstacles every month
🌙Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (4th day of waning moon) every month. It is Ganesha's monthly "obstacle-clearing" day. Here is the practice.
Vidhata Editorial Desk · 21 Mar 2025 · 6 min read
- 05
Pradosh Vrat: the 13th-day Shiva fast that most people miss
🌙Falling on Trayodashi (13th tithi) twice a month, Pradosh Vrat is observed at twilight (pradosh kaal) for Shiva. Smaller than Shivratri, but compounding - and that is its power.
Vidhata Editorial Desk · 29 Jan 2025 · 6 min read
- 06
Ekadashi fasting: why the 11th lunar day is the most powerful Vedic fast
🌙Twice a month, Vaishnavas and seekers worldwide fast on Ekadashi. We explain what makes this day astronomically special, what to eat (and avoid), and the classical benefits.
Vidhata Editorial Desk · 15 Jan 2025 · 7 min read
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