Weekly Fast

Fasting and Its Significance

Fasting holds both religious and scientific significance in India. In Hinduism, each day of the week is dedicated to a specific deity, and fasting is observed to seek blessings from these gods. Fasting is not observed every day; people fast on particular days, each associated with a unique deity and belief system.

Fasts to be Observed on Each Day of the Week

• Sunday Fast

Sunday is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God). Those who fast on Sundays typically eat only once a day, after sunset, and avoid consuming salt, oil, and fried foods. Red flowers are offered to the Sun God, and red sandalwood paste is applied on the forehead before prayers. It is believed that observing a fast on Sunday fulfills all wishes and can be especially beneficial for people with skin problems.

• Monday Fast

Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva, particularly the form of Ardhanarishvara. Those who fast on this day typically eat once a day and visit Shiva temples to offer prayers. Women, especially unmarried ones, observe this fast for a good husband, while others seek a happy and prosperous family life. Devotees chant 'Om Namah Shivaya' and recite the Shiv Puran. It is believed that fasting on Mondays, especially during the month of Shravan, brings great benefits.

• Tuesday Fast

Tuesday is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Goddess Durga. Fasting on this day involves the non-consumption of salt. It is believed that Mars, the planet associated with Tuesday, influences problems in life, and fasting helps remove negative effects. In various parts of India, different deities are worshiped, but Hanuman is widely revered. Devotees believe that observing this fast brings happiness and wealth.

• Wednesday Fast

Wednesday is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, and fasting on this day is believed to bring blessings related to intellect, education, health, and business. Devotees wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean clothes before offering prayers. They chant 'Om Ganapataye Namah' 108 times, and it is customary to observe this fast for seven consecutive Wednesdays. By fasting with devotion, one can overcome troubles and obstacles.

• Thursday Fast

Thursday is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and fasting on this day involves wearing yellow clothes, offering yellow sweets, and worshipping Lord Vishnu and his incarnations. People who fast on Thursdays typically consume only Channa Dal and Ghee once a day. This fast is believed to bring good results, especially when fasting is accompanied by the use of milk, ghee, and yellow-colored offerings.

• Friday Fast

Friday is dedicated to the Goddess Durga and other forms of Shakti, such as Goddess Lakshmi, Santoshi Maa, and Annapurneshwari. On this day, devotees fast and eat only at night. Women often observe the Solah Shukravar Vrat, fasting for 16 Fridays to seek the blessings of Maa Shakti. White clothes are considered auspicious, and offerings of kheer or milk are made to Maa Shakti. This fast is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

• Saturday Fast

Saturday is dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn) and Goddess Kali. It is observed by those who are affected by the negative influence of Saturn. People typically wear black clothes and visit the Shani or Navagraha temples. Special offerings of sesame and sesame oil are made to Shani, as he is believed to be pleased by these. Lord Hanuman is also worshiped on this day, as it is believed that Hanuman protects devotees from the wrath of Shani. Fasting on Saturday is thought to alleviate the negative effects of Saturn and bring blessings.