ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ

“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”

What is Vrat and Upvas ?

Vrat and Upvas has an important place in almost all countries and religions of the world. According to the scholars of Hindu culture, fasting is also called Sankalpa, Satkarma rituals. By fasting, the conscience of a man becomes pure. This increases knowledge power, thinking power, intelligence, devotion, intelligence, devotion and purity, a single fast / fast destroys many physical diseases. Regular fasting and observance of fasts lead to good health and longevity – this is undeniable. It has been said in the scriptures, ‘Vriyate Swargam Vrajanti Swargamanen Va’ which means one who goes to heaven or is selected for heaven.

Difference between Vrat and Upvas

Rishis, Acharyas have considered austerity, restraint, and rules to be synonymous with fasting. Fasting and fasting both are the same. In Sanskrit, ‘Up’ means near, and ‘Vas’ means to sit, means to meditate on God, to chant and praise him. There is another difference between them in that food is eaten during fasting and one has to remain fasting during fasting. Fasting is the soul of Hindu culture and religion, a lot has been said about fasting in Vedas, Dharmashastras, Puranas, and Vedangas. Many articles and essays have been written on Vratraj, Vratark, Vratkaustubh, Jaisingh Kalpadrum, Muktak Sangrah, Hemadrivratkhand, etc.

Types of Upvas

There are 10 main duties of Hindus:- 1. Evening worship, 2. Fasting, 3. Pilgrimage, 4. Festival, 5. Service, 6. Donation, 7. Yagya, 8. Sanskar 9. Veda recitation, 10 Dharma Prachar

Types of Vrat: There are many types of Vrat and Upvas. Mentioned differently in Vedas and different in Puranas. But mainly are – There are three types of fasting – 1. Nitya, 2. Naimittika and 3. Kamya.

Types of Upvas – 1. Morning fasting, 2. Half fasting, 3. Ekaharopavas, 4. Rasopavas, 5. Phalopavas, 6. Dugdhopavas, 7. Takropavas, 8. Complete fasting, 9. Weekly fasting, 10. Short fasts, 11.Hard fasts, 12.Broken fasts, 13.Long fasts.

Benefits of fasting

For the welfare of humans, to remove their many types of physical and mental sorrows, our ascetic sages have prescribed many means. One of those means is fasting. Regular fasting increases our physical strength as well as morale and self-strength due to our good health. We grow spiritually. Many disorders like lust, anger, greed, attachment, ego, jealousy, malice, hatred, and selfishness within us go away and the feeling of kindness, compassion, love, tolerance, and cooperation increases in us. With which we can participate in the welfare of ourselves, the country, the society, the world, and the entire human race.

How many types of Vrat are there in Scriptures?

According to the scriptures, Yajna, penance, and charity are considered to be the main and important deeds of human life. To heat the body by fasting and following the rules of fasting is ‘Tapa’. There are many fasts and there are many types of fasts. These are done in the form of Kayik, Vachik, Mental, Nitya, Naimittik, Kamya, Ekabhukta, Ayachit, Mitbhuk, Chandrayan, and Prajapatya.

1. Physical fasting: Abstaining from any kind of violence, eating regular and proper food, not hoarding money, celibacy, etc.
2. Vachik (through speech) fast: speaking the truth and sweet, renunciation of condemnation-bitterness, and keeping silence.
3. Mind control Vrat: Practice of dispassion by renouncing attachment and aversion, devotion, mental-chanting, self-study (Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Gita, Ramayana and other positive literature written by sages, scholars), God Refuge and service to the poor.

Another three types of tithi vrats

1. Ekadashi of Punyasanchaya etc. ‘Nitya’ fast, for the destruction of sins, Chandrayaan (according to lunar dates), etc. ‘Naimittik’ fast for the happiness of the lord of the mind, Vatsavitri, etc. for happiness and good fortune were considered as ‘Kamya’ fasts.
2. ‘Ekbhukt’ independent of fast (at noon), Anyang (at midday), and representative (anytime in front and back).
3. ‘Naktavrat’, is performed when it is night, but the sanyasi, the widow, while the sun is there.
4. Whatever you get without asking in ‘Ayachitvrat’, eat only once a day or night, saving the prohibition period for the same. A ‘Mitbhukta’ eats a regular quantity (about 10 grams) of food every day. Both these fasts are supposed to give ultimate success.
5. ‘Prajapatya’ is of 12 days. There are five Mahavratas in Hinduism. These are Samvatsar (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada), Ramnavami (Chaitra Shukla Navami), Krishna Janmashtami (Bhadrapada Ashtami), Shivratri (Phalgun Krishna Chaturdashi) and Dashavatar (Bhadrapada Shukla Dashami) in all types of fasts according to scriptures, month, side, date, War, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karan, Time i.e. Kaal and Devpuja are very important.

In sanskrit, Upvaas comprises two words “Up” and “Vaas” which refers to near and to reside meaning to keep your complete concentration in Divine. The word Vrat also serves the same purpose. However, there is a significant difference in both terms.

What is Upvaas?

Upvaas is the fast that is kept for 24 hours. In this, devotees do not eat or drink water for the whole day and break it only on the following day of the fast. This kind of fast is also known as “Nirjala” Upvaas.

For instance, Ekadashi Upvaas involves fasting with no food and water intake. This fast is called “Ekadashi Nirjala Upvaas”. Devotees break fasting on the following day of Dwadeshi (12th day of fortnight).

What is Vrat?

Vrat is the fast in which devotees eat light and pure food for the whole day. It is kept for a longer period of time. As per Hindu scriptures, devotees should only take fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, milk, juices etc as meals In the vrat. They should forbid intake of non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion, garlic, grains etc.

For instance, Navratri Vrat. In this Vrat, devotees observe vrat for the eight or nine days. They eat meals once in a day and worship Goddess Durga. Observing Vrat on Navratri allows people to continue fasting for such a long period of time. They could do their work and also concentrate on the religious and spiritual rituals.

Differences between Vrat and Upvaas

Vrat involves fasting of food only whereas Upvaas involves fasting and keeping vows such as vow to abstain from speech or vow to abstain from worldly pleasure.

• Vrat and Upvaas both serve the same purpose, However, Upvaas is about self control.
• Hindu faith forbids drinking water in Upvaas while Vrat forbids only intake of grains, non-vegetarian food, rice and alcohol.
• Vrat can be kept by the people easily while Upvaas is tough and hard to observe.

 

Vrat and Upvaas both detoxify the body, thus improving digestion and health. By observing it, you may enhance your spiritual power and also increase your intuitive abilities.

What Are Vrats?

In Hinduism, Vrata (upavas) has a huge significance in rituals and spiritual practices. Upavasam (Vrata) constitute an integral part of Upasana (worship). It was practiced as an exercise in austerity to master self-control and generate body heat that was believed to aid in self-purification and the sublimation of sexual energies in the physical light spiritual vitality along with intellectual brilliance. Let’s understand why people follow this spiritual belief:

● Students: The students of Vedas were taught Vrata to improve their education and self-control.

● Households: Households used it to proclaim their faith and dedication to gods, and renouncers made use of it to gain control over their bodies and minds.

● Widows: Widows practice preventing having the same fate with future births.

● Unmarried women: Women who are single use this practice to get good husbands.

● Married women: When it comes to married women, they use it to get children, safeguard their families, or protect their marriage.

As it is a sacrifice offering and an act of self-denial, it’s good Karma. Additionally, because it is a means of self-purification, it also serves as a sacrifice. Apart from instilling discipline and commitment and easing our bodies, it also prepares us for trials of the spiritual world.

Through regular Vrata, you gain control over one’s mind and body.

The History Of Vrats

Before creating man, God set up an ethical code for man. This code is known as”the Apourusheya(Divine) Vedas’. The practice of following the Dharmaas as per the varna(class) following the guidelines outlined according to the Vedasnot stops sadness from birth to death and confers happiness. Indeed, happiness is not the only thing, yet we expect to attain it.

However, the design of Dharma is that, while striving to achieve that false joy, one slowly loses interest in this happiness and becomes a legitimate candidate of Moksha (Final Liberation). God’s goal in establishing Dharma Samhita (Code of Righteous behavior) was to ensure that man eventually attained Moksha despite enjoying the world’s happiness.

Hence the third chapter of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is referred to as “Karmayog ” (Path of Action). Engaging in Dharma without any expectations is Karmayog. The Dharma does not require us to do sakam Bhakti (Devotion with expectations).

In time, the fundamental concept for Dharma in human beings experienced an erosion of the concept, which led to the man’s moral lapses day-to-day and marked the emergence of the vrats.

The first step in religious conduct or worship: The desires of those in authority or power must be accepted as the norm by the rest of the population. The faith-based belief that God has given us specific guidelines to us and for all living creatures. These rules or obligations, observed over an extended period, develop the character of traditions or customs.

When people begin to believe that the acts prescribed by God must be compelled to be executed’, the acts are regarded as the practice of worship or religious conduct. If an individual imposes restrictions on his conduct and eating habits, the rules assume the characteristics of an oath or religious obligation.

This is why the word “vrat” is a term used to describe commands, obeying instructions, religious duty, and worship of the Deities—moral conduct and ritualistic vows that are undertaken, etc.

Different Types Of Vratas

Here is a look at the different types of Vrata as per their nature:

1. Prat

2. Adhopvas

3. Ekaharopvas

4. Rasopvas

5. Phalopvas

6. Dugdhopvas

7. Takropvase

8. Poornopavs

9. Saptahik Upvas

10. Laghu Upvas

1. Prat Upvas: In this type of vrat, we aren’t obliged to eat breakfast at the beginning of the day. Furthermore, we must take only two meals during the whole day.

2. Adhopvas: This is also known as the fast in the evening. It is mandatory to eat just once during the day, and we are not required to eat dinner at night.

3. Ekaharopvas: In this case, we have to eat only one kind of food. For instance, if we take a bite of roti at the beginning of the day, it is only permissible to consume Sabji later in the evening. We can eat fruits in the morning and milk at night on the following day.

4. Rasopvas: Herein, we are not allowed to eat cereals (ann) and various kinds of fruit. It is only permitted to consume delicious juices of vegetables and fruits. It is even prohibited on this day.

5. Falopvas: During Falopvas, we must eat only fresh fruits and vegetables. If fruit doesn’t suit us, you must eat only cooked vegetables.

6. Dugdhopvas: This fast is also called Dugdha Kalp. We are restricted to drinking milk 4 to 5 times during this fast.

7. Takropvas: It is often referred to as Mathakalp. In this case, we must avoid Ghee and other sour foods. This rule can be observed for two months at a time.

8. Purnopvas: We are not required to consume anything and can just enjoy the fresh and clean water. We must adhere to certain rules that have been set by custom.

9. Saptahik Upvas: If we practice one Purnopvas at least once during the week, this is known as Weekly Upvas.

10. Laghu Upvas: When the Purnopvas is conducted for 3-7 days, it’s called Laghu Upvas.

Importance Of Vrats

Some consider Vrata as a spiritual practice. Some think of it to be an easy method to shed inches. Many believe that eating diet food helps in repenting of wrongs.

A single word with lasting implications, Vrata, means differently in various contexts. But, usually associated with religion, Vrata is such religious practice that Hindus completely practice.

There are prayers, rituals and ceremonies, and nutritious food options to inspire its zeal. It’s a total commitment to the gods and goddesses which helps to transcend the deeply-rooted practices, thus releasing the godliness of the lives.

In addition to reviving our spiritual connection to divine spirituality, Vrata motivates all of us to challenge the norm and accomplish the impossible. But, here are some notable points about why Vrata is significant for Hindus and why it is now a major element of our lives.

Vrata Is An Incredibly Powerful Source Of Power

Controlling our drive! This is what Vrata strives to accomplish. Beginning with eating habits to the notion that we’re not as fragile as we believe we are. Vrata transforms our lives by removing the obstacles that lie in the bowels of our being and providing us with an endless supply of strength and wisdom.

Not Only a Physical Discipline Vrata is Often a Spiritual Food Feast.

Naturally, cutting out meals can result in losing weight; however, it puts the body on the upward slope of spiritual strength in virtue, faith, and virtue. You will gain perseverance, endurance and a sense of the ability to remain in a state of equilibrium. An explosion of power, Vrata can delight your senses and reward you with a delicious meal.

Starving The Flesh To Give The Soul Food

To make big gains in weight, you must lose some in most cases. According to the old saying, Vrata involves abiding by the rules strictly and depriving yourself of regular meals. This can help you get a lot of knowledge, energy and self-power for the necessity of starvation.

For More Physical And Mental Efficiency

We all believe that Vrata leads to a tired body, and one cannot focus as much as he could. However, the reality is that a brain that is highly effective, capable of tackling any challenge, overcoming issues and growing stronger is what you will get as a reward.

Vrata Change Minds And Hearts

Prayer and Vrata can break hearts, wake up minds, and have the potential to trigger the desired change. It can bring about an amount of humility, compassion and even humility.

Spiritual Freedom Beyond Our Appetites

Everyday routine shackles our capabilities and binds us to a shackle, rendering us ineffective and helpless. But it’s the Vrata that frees our souls and lets us enjoy freedom in every aspect. Freeing yourself from everyday anxiety through a gradual dispersal of wisdom is possible.

Another Method To Remorse For The Sins

There’s also a reason for the faith that is the reason for Vrata. The old manuscripts inform people that Vrata increases our sensitivity to the unobserved realities and allows one to admit their sins fully, and as a result, repentance deepens. One can make amends for one’s wrongs committed and, at the same time, draw God’s attention to oneself. With a longing for God or a desire to repent, Vrata has endless religious desires.

Vrata Allows You Time To Reflect And Pray

If you’re complaining that you are fasting, you will not be doing anything other than that. Since you’re not eating or drinking any food you consume, you’re unlikely to have the energy required to take on the tasks that typically take you time to complete. While you could complete a few tasks during the day, you’re not going to be able to do that much. Thus, Vrata will offer you lots of time, which you can make for your needs.

Particularly, Vrata will provide you with the chance to think and pray. The opportunity will allow you to think about everything that happened in the last few days. It is possible to reflect on your accomplishments, your failures and what you think your life will take you from here.

You’ll be able to consider your relationships with others. That includes family members, colleagues, and friends. This kind of opportunity for reflection doesn’t happen often. Therefore, it is important to avail the maximum benefit of this opportunity.

Vrata Can Foster A New Feeling Of Satisfaction

Additionally, Vrata can also foster an increased sense of satisfaction. The society we live in today is more stressful than before.

There is a tendency to measure yourself against others. You might compare yourself to colleagues at work. It is possible to look through social media and compare yourself with others in this way.

It is also possible to compare yourself with your siblings, friends, and others you believe are more prosperous. There isn’t much time to just look around and be happy with your accomplishments to date.

Vrata Can Foster A New Feeling Of Satisfaction

After you have completed your fast, you’re likely to feel rejuvenated. You’ll feel full of vitality that you haven’t felt for a while. You will be able to express your gratitude to the divine power that has enabled you to go to this point.

You’ll also see that even the smallest absence of food was when compared to the benefits you’ve achieved. Your spirituality has grown, and you are able to speak with more ability and experience all that your body can take on. Even though you’ve been eating for an entire day, the body is still going.

The main goal is to recognize that food and nutrition are nothing in comparison to the spirituality of your life. Food isn’t always enough to satisfy you. After a short time, you’re hungry and need to eat more.

Your spirituality will satisfy you to the maximum. In providing you with the assurance you have a divine power that is looking for you, specifically in the case of Vrata, you will be able to feel the confidence and motivation to live your life.

So there is an abundance of benefits you can enjoy when you are fasting.

What is Vrat-fasting?

Basically, people consider Vrat and Upvas as the same thing. You may have food while fasting. But, in Upvas no food is taken. The meaning of both should be understood clearly. After this only, one should decide whether to keep Vrat or Upvas.

Staying without having food for the whole day is called Upvas. Soul of a human purifies on observing Vrat. Person’s resolution power increases. Intelligence, thoughts, cleverness and knowledge is improved. Vrat reduces the count of sins and diseases. As it is well known, that sin is somatic, vocal, mental and contact generation.

Upvas gives liberation from sin, and enormity or evil acts. In Hindus fast is given lots of importance. Fast is the reflection of devotion, faith and confidence in God. Vrat is observed for the fulfilment of wishes like good business, art, skills and for other desires of life.

Upvas gives a mental, physical and spiritual peace. Hence, it is successful in keeping us away from disease and stay fit. As per our work, all of us must observe Upvas once in a week. The week day fasting are very profitable.

Importance of Vrat

Vrat has a lot of significance in making human life successful. By following the rules of Upvas, and ensuring according to it is a kind of meditation.

Basically, the moral of Upvas is to relax the digestive system of stomach. Digestive system of a human being is continuously working and to give it a rest, Upavas is observed.

The motive of Upvas is not to kill ourselves out of hunger, nor eating something fried for the whole day. While keeping Upvas, the rules should be followed strictly.

Upvas for a long time should be obseved only after consulting the doctor. In case of observing Upvas from the purpose of loosing weight, an eligible physician’s advice should be taken.

Upvas gives mental and spiritual peace.

What is Resolution?

Resolution is the motif of fast, but it is useful only if the work is done with firm determination. From the view point of religious beliefs, rituals of observing fast needs to be done systematically. Henceforth, before starting a virtuous work, a resolution is taken. So, whether a resolution is linked with religious or social life, used tried to get completed with full determination.

Before Observing a fast, it is compulsory to take a resolution.

Things to remember while keeping Upvas :

Wake up early in the morning, on the day of fast

Before doing the morning Puja, daily work should be completed.

This day, like other days, family God should be worshiped. After this only, the Gods of that particular Upvas should be worshiped.

Pranayam should be done between morning to evening, on the day of Upvas.

In the Upvas period, physical and mental rest should also be given full importance.

On this day, nothing should be said which may hurt anyone or his sentiments. Hence, keeping silence fast is favourable on the day of Upvas. By this, one can be away from mental sins.

In regards of Upvas, it is said that sleeping on this day is considered as inauspicious. Doing Asan and walking is advisable on this day.

Drinking no water and observing fast for a long time should never be done. In this case, the body may have lack of water.

Before observing Upvas, prepare your self completely for this work. If the Upvas is kept only for a day then no special preparations are required. Only, two or three days before Upvas, more of fruits and vegetables should be taken in the meal. If the time period of Upvas is quite long then, special preparations should be done for it.In such a situation, from few days before, more food should be eaten. And, with food, more number of fruits and vegetables are to be included in the diet. From a day or two before the Upvas, person should try to have a balanced diet.

Person observing fast, should wear clothes, Puja and incense stick as per the Upvas. While worshiping or doing Hawan, by wearing one single cloth or too many clothes, is not advisable.

Men and women observing fast should may pay special attention on the color of clothes and flowers of that particular Upvas. Like, if Upvas is kept to please Lord Hanuman, then red colored clothes and red flowers used be used in Puja.

For a person observing fast, doing any activity without doing rinse(aachman) is meaningless. It is necessary to have a rinse after bathing, eating, sleeping, coming back from walking in the streets. If no water is available then touch of south’s corner can also be done.

 

VRATA (RELIGIOUS FAST) & UPAVAASA (SPIRITUAL FASTING)

Upavaasa (Fasting):

Literally, Upavaasa (उपवास)  means Abstinence or staying closeness to nature.  Upa + Vaasa that means ‘Upa’ stands for near and ‘Vaasa’ stands for stay means staying closeness to nature or supreme soul. In general, fasting means total abstention from taking any kind of food for a definite period but it gives broaden meaning that sorts of all the essences of life with view to harmonizing the body, mind and soul for spiritual exploration.

 Vrata (religious fast) & Upavaasa (Spiritual Fasting)

Fasting is integral part of Sanatana Upasana which not only provides freshness to life but also fuel spiritual & religious development and therapeutic change as well. All the religions of the world have adopted the practice of fasting in some form. But in sanatana system, fasting is always associated with other actions to purify the body and bring calmness to mind so essential for spiritual upliftment.

While fasting is more related to intake of food & drink, Upvaasa and Vrata are having more of spiritual connotation. The purpose of Upavaasa is to imbibe the virtues of almighty. Vrata is a cultural commitment, and religious practice, and also evolves mental discipline and spiritual exploration. Vratas give the strength to withstand the temptations of the instinctive forces. Fasting, Upavaasa and Vrata together purify the body, mind and soul and it gives health, happiness and harmony.

Religious prospective:

During Upavaasa, the person observes chastity, solitude, silence, and does self-introspection. Upavaasa is just not fasting, on that day; the persons choose to be near their favorite deity, control on all the senses is exercised, withdraw from regular activities, go to the temple, worship to God or find a secluded place for their devotion.

Varah Upanishad has explained that the purpose of Upavaasa is to be near to God, to worship God, to imbibe the virtues of God in life. It is not the name of torturing the body.

Vrata – Sacred Vow, Sankalpa – Resolve

Vrata has two words in Sanskrit, “Vr” means discipline and “rta” means regularity. In Vrata, the person makes self-commitment to abstain to do certain acts or make vows for spiritual practice. It is basically self-sacrifice or mental discipline. Vrata is a binding force, binding the external mind to the soul and the soul to the Divine. Taking a vow is a sacred trust between yourself, your outer self, your inner self, and your loved ones. A religious vrata is a contract between yourself, the religious community, the Gods and your guru.

References to the vratas are found in the Samhitas, Brahmanas and Aranyakas of all the four Vedas. In Vedas, Rudra is mentioned as the lord of Vratas (Vratapati).

While performing vratas, one must abide by several rules such as one should keep oneself clean and pure, observe celibacy, speak the truth, practice forbearance, avoid non-vegetarian foods and scrupulously perform all the rituals connected with it. Vratas prepare the person for self-transformation and realization.

Types of Fasting are as under: (Sabhaar from Net)

Dainik (Daily) Upavaasa (Fasting)  – when a person decides to observe fast on particular day or date. It is motivated by spiritual inspiration. (
Kamya or Naimitik Upavaasa (Fasting) – when a person observes fast with object of special desire
Ayachit Upavaasa (Fasting)  – when a person undergoes fasting one time food in a day without any desire.
Nakta Upavaasa (Fasting)  – when fasting is done for night food.
Ekabhukta Upavaasa (Fasting) – when fasting is done morning, afternoon or evening as per convenience
Prajapaty Upavaasa (Fasting)  – This type of fasting completes in twelve days. When intake of food increases for three days successively and after nine days, no food is taken in last three days
Chandrayan Upavaasa (Fasting) – This type of fasting is linked with waxing and waning of moon. During the period of waxing of moon, intake of food is increased gradually and during waning of moon, intake of food is reduced gradually and on new moon, no intake of food is done.
Tithi Upavaasa (Fasting) – Fasting done on 11th day, 4th day, day of new moon etc. as per Hindu calendar.
Maasika (Month) Upavaasa (Fasting)  – Fasting done in specified months of sanatan calendar such as Magh, Kartik, Vaishakha etc.
Pakshik Upavaasa (Fasting)  – Fasting done during the period of waxing of moon or waning of moon.
Stellar Upavaasa (Fasting)  – Fasting done during the particular stellar constellation such as Anuradha, Rohini etc.
Devas  Upavaasa (Fasting)  – When fasting is done to please the gods such as Shri Ganesha, Bhagvan Shiva or Vishnu etc.
Saptahik (weekly) Upavaasa (Fasting) – Fasting one on different days of week.
Pradosh Upavaasa (Fasting) – Fasting done on 13th day of Sanatana calendar.

 Merits of Upavaasa:

The ancient eastern medical system of Ayurveda sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials.

• Regular cleansing of toxic material keeps us healthy.
• Fasting overhauls the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and urinary system.
• In moderate fasting, the organs of the body are cleansed and renewed.
• As per research report published in Medical News on 7.11.2018, the benefits of intermittent fasting (an eating cycle that includes periods of fasting of around 12–36 hours) based on research are as under
• Weight loss
• improved markers of health
• A reduced risk of chronic health conditions i.e. type II diabetes and heart disease.
• Improved brain health
• Apart from losing weight, occasional fasting may also help to boost metabolic activities, generate antioxidants, and also helps reverse aging, says a study published on 11.02.2019 on India Today web desk.
• Physical benefits, at spiritual level, fasting purify the mind, controls passion, checks emotions and controls the senses.
• Fasting makes us ascend to a higher level.

Vrat is essentially fasting and is threaded with several rituals and customs of the Hindu Culture. Vrat means a vow not to touch eatables and sometimes even water for entire tenure of the custom or a festival that a person chooses to observe. A vrat is kept by devotees to please the Gods and Goddesses with their devotion. Besides the benefit of fasting, vrat is a determined effort. It displays the resolve of a person and the will to govern natural instincts.

When the followers of gods and goddesses fast, they do not eat cereals, wheat and spices. Intake of several vegetables is also prohibited during vrat or Upvas. Fresh fruits, dry fruits, nuts and milk products are among the most preferred eatables consumed while fasting or when breaking a fast. Some vrats are more stringent than others and extend beyond a day and sometimes last for many days. There are devotees who don’t consume even water during the period of fasting to appease their gods.

mPanchang provides you the Hindu Vrat & Upavas list including dates, Vrat & Upavas timings and Vrat & Upavas rules.

Lord Vishnu Festival and Vrats

Several Festivals are celebrated in glory of the Lord Vishnu in all parts of the country, these are held to celebrate the many trimphs of the Lord.

Chaturmasa

Vishnu rests on Anant- Sesha the four rainy months every year. This period is known as Chaturmasa the time of social dormancy when journeys are not undertaken and marriages are not solemnized. People stay at home and pray because the sun is on its inauspious southern course, the dakshinayana making the nights longer and days colder.

The divine retreat begins on Shayani-ekadashi, the eleventh day of the waxing moon in the month of Ashadha and ends the four months. On the eleventh day of the waxing moon in the month of Kartika, Prabodhini- ekadashi.

Diwali

The new moon night that comes after Dussera ushers in the festival of lights “Deepavali” or Diwali.

On the new moon night Lakshmi the consort Lord Visnu is worshipped by all. Lamps are lit and sacred symbols are drawn on the floors to welcome her into our homes. Diwali also commemorates the return of Shri Rama to the kingdom of Ayodhaya after 14 years in the forest. Hence devotees express their joy by lighting lamps and bursting crackers to mark the end of Chaturmasa and to herald the return of Vishnu to drive away the demons and all evil.

Gokul-Ashtami

This festival commemorates the auspious descent of Vishnu upon this earth as Krishna. It is celebrated in the dark half of the lunar month, on the eight day of the waning moon of Shravana. This festival is celebrated late at night. Laddo gopal are placed in cradles in temples. The Lord is adorned with new poshaks, jewellery and flowers. The tale of his descent is read out from the Bhagwat Puran and the devootes in large numbers gather and listen to the parvachan and sing bhajans in his praise. Then maha prasad is distributed.

Tulsi-Vivaha

When Vishnu rises after his four month repose, he renews his pact of protecting the earth by ceremonially marrying the earth-goddess on the twelfth day of the waxing moon in the month of Kartika.

The goddess represented by the Tulsi plant is wedded to the Lord who is represented by his idol or a shalagrama stone or a cane of sugar. This Tulsi- vivaha marks the beginning of the Hindu marriage season.

Akshaya- Tritiya

On the third day of the bright half of Vaishaka, Renuka gave birth to Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On this holy day, people buy gold, safe with the knowledge that the lord will protect their wealth from thieves just as he stopped the thousand armed Kartaviryarjuna from stealing the cow Kamadhenu from the hermitage of sage Jamadagni.

Makara- Sankranti

The shortest day of the year is 22nd December after which the sun begins its northward journey known as the Uttarayana. On the 14th of Janauary each year the Sun God, Surya- Narayana rides his golden chariot into the house of Makara, the abode of Madana the lord of love. It is a very auspious day and is known as Makara-Sankranti and also marks the winter harvest celebrated as Lohri in North India and Pongal in the South of India.

Holi

Phalguna marks the end of winter and beginning of Spring . It is a festival of love, joy, colours and excitement welcoming the Lord of pleasure Madana who is the son of Lakshmi and Vishnu. It is a joyous festival and was the favourite festival of Krishna and Radha. On the eve of Holi great bonfires are lit to mark the end of the female demon Holika who got burnt herself while trying to burn and kill “PRAHALADA” the devotee of Vishnu- Narasimha.

Datta Jayanti

Dattatreya Jayanti is in the month of Margashisha on the full moon day marks the day when Datta the great yogi and tantric was born to the chaste Anasuya wife of the sage  Atri. Datta embodies the spirit of Vishnu and is worshipped as a Divine Teacher.

Narali Poornima

On the full moon night in the month of Shravana fishermen throw coconuts in the sea thanking the Sea God ‘Varuna’ for holding aloft the bridge that enabled Rama to go Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the clutches of the evil king Ravan. This day also marks the retreat of monsoon which enables the fishermen to return to the sea.

In some parts of India oxen are worshipped to celebrate the birth of Balrama, Krishna’s elder brother who is the lord of farmers. On this day sisters tie a sacred thread on the wrist of their brothers and seek their

Dev Diwali

The full moon day that follow’s the day of Tulsi’s marriage is called Dev- Diwali, to commemorate this day the Lord descended upon eath as Matsya, the divine fish who saved the children of the earth, animals and plants from the cosmic deluge.

Nag Pachami

Nag Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the waxing moon of the month of Shravana during which cobras are offered milk and worshipped as representatives of Ananta-Sesha the cosmic serpent, keeper of the earth’s fertility and destroyer of pests.Ram Navami

This festival celebrates the birth of Seventh Avatar of Lord Vishnu and the hero of the Ramayana, the Sanskrit epic of 24,000 stanzas, Shri Rama who was born on the 9th day of Chaitra month. Shri Ramchandra killed the evil king Ravana. A continuous recital of the book takes place for about a week prior to the celebration and on the day itself, the highlights of the story are read in the temple.

Perumal Tirumala

Perumal Tirumala is a festival in honour of Lord Vishnu celebrated by the Vishnubhaktis. This festival lasts for eleven days or longer. In the first two days the idols of Lord Vishnu and his companions are carried about in the streets with great pomp in a palanquin. On the third day he is carried on his vehicle Garuda. On the fourth Vishnu is carried on the monkey Hanuman, on the fifth day He is carried on a lion, the sixth under a small arch or bow of metal called Tiruvasi, on the seventh under a large Tiruvasi, on the eighth on a horse and on the ninth in a large car. On the last day, the tenth day, which is the great day of the feast, Vishnu is for the last time carried about early in the morning. In the evening of the eleventh day, which is called Dhar-ba-tirumal, he and his consort Lakshmi are seated on a couch of Dharba-grass, placed on a aft in a tank and Brahmans, musicians and dancing girls, having entered on the same raft, it is floated from one end of the tank to the other, thrice, in the sight of a multitude of people standing on the banks.