Skip to main content
✦ World’s Largest Nakshatra Knowledge Portal · Vedic Astrology, In Service of Humanity. ✦
Vedic Nakshatra — Vedic Nakshatra — Bettering lives by illuminating the unseen, with unwavering commitment.

✦ VEDIC JYOTISH · वैदिक ज्योतिष

Vrat and Festivals

Sacred Observances of the Hindu Calendar

Today's PanchangAbhijit MuhurtaGanda MoolaBhadra VicharRahu KaalChaughadiyaHora MuhurtaAuspicious YogaSarvarthasiddhi YogaAmritsiddhi YogaDwipushkar YogaTripushkar YogaRavi PushyaGuru PushyaRavi YogaAll MuhurtasVivah MuhurtaGriha PraveshNamakaranaVehicle PurchaseBusiness StartCalendar OverviewHindu Calendar 2026Vrat OverviewEkadashi 2026PurnimaAmavasyaPradosham

✦ VRAT AND UPAVAS · Sacred Observances

Vrat Observances

Sacred Fasting and Worship in the Hindu Calendar

Vrat (Sanskrit: vrata, meaning "vow" or "observance") is the practice of fasting, prayer, and worship on specific days of the Hindu lunar calendar. The Vedic tradition prescribes different Vratas for different purposes: health, prosperity, progeny, removal of obstacles, or pure spiritual devotion. The Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, and regional texts each enumerate hundreds of Vratas, but a core set of pan-Indian observances is followed across most Hindu traditions.

The timing of Vratas is determined by the Panchang. The Tithi (lunar day) governs most Vratas, though some are fixed by solar calendar (like Sankranti Vratas) or by Nakshatra. Select a Vrat type below to see its dates, rules, and spiritual significance.

Ekadashi

Twice monthly

11th Tithi Observance

The twice-monthly grain-free fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu. One of the most widely observed Vratas in Hinduism with 24 named Ekadashis in a year.

Explore →

Purnima

Monthly

Full Moon Observance

Monthly full moon fast and celebration. Each Purnima has its own name, associated deity, and regional significance. Guru Purnima, Sharad Purnima, and Kartik Purnima are especially sacred.

Explore →

Amavasya

Monthly

New Moon Observance

The monthly new moon day dedicated to ancestor worship (Pitru Tarpana). Mahalaya Amavasya is the most sacred, marking the end of the 16-day Pitru Paksha period.

Explore →

Pradosham

Twice monthly

Trayodashi Evening

The twice-monthly Shiva worship period occurring on the 13th Tithi evening. Soma Pradosham (Monday evening) is most powerful. Associated with liberation from sins and fulfillment of wishes.

Explore →