Hindu — observances and vrat guides

Hindu vrata brings together household worship, temple visits, charity and personal restraint. Vishnu's Ekadashi, Shiva's Pradosh and the many forms of Devi give the calendar different devotional rhythms. A monthly lunar observance is not interchangeable with an annual festival: its deity, story and way of ending the fast matter. Regional customs also affect what a family cooks, which day it observes and whether a fast is complete or partial. This collection includes both recurring vows and major celebrations rather than presenting one uniform rule for every Hindu devotee.

The catalog currently includes 171 distinct entries in this collection. Examples are Maha Shivratri; Shattila Ekadashi; Jaya Ekadashi; Vijaya Ekadashi; Amalaki Ekadashi. Their recorded devotional focus includes Lord Shiva; Lord Vishnu. Follow the individual links below for the full description, calendar dates, mantra and allowed or avoided foods; each link leads to a dedicated observance page rather than a search result.

Calendar dates are references, not a substitute for the observance rules of your chosen city and community. Lunar days can cross civil-date boundaries, and regional practice can change which day is kept. Meal suggestions are optional ideas for an allowed meal, not instructions to eat during a complete fast. Children, pregnant people and anyone with a medical condition should seek appropriate advice before fasting. Compare the linked guides with your family or temple's practice and choose a discipline suited to your health.

All 171 observances in this collection