Hindu Vrats (Fast, Vrat, Upvaas)

Vrats are votive fasting rites which are practiced throughout India. The observance of fasts spans religious boundaries, social classes and even caste and sectarian affiliations.

Naturally then, there is a great variety in the kinds of vrats performed and numerous variations in the actual practice of any particular vrat.

The word fasting means to move near (to the Supreme) and by implication to overcome helplessness. A calamity has always been an occasion for prayer, we normally pray for a positive reason like asking for a boon, other reasons include appeasement of an anger deity.

It is believed that no prayer can be complete unless it is accompanied by an offering.   

· Somvaar ka Vrat         — for Shivaji

· Mangalvaar ka Vrat        — for Ganapatiji & Hanumanji

· Budhvaar ka Vrat             — for Krishna

· Brihaspativaar ka Vrat     — for Vishnuji

· Shukravaar Vrat               — for Devi Maa

· Shanivaar ka Vrat            — for Shanidev & Hanumanji

· Ravivaar ka Vrat              — for Surya Dev

Source: Swami