Vrat (fasting as a remedy)
A vrat is a vow, usually a fast kept on a particular weekday or lunar day, offered to a deity or planet. It is a traditional remedy for strengthening a planet and a practice of self-discipline.
Also known as: Vrata, Upvas, Upavasa
Each weekday belongs to a planet, so planetary fasts follow the week: Sunday for the Sun, Monday for the Moon (often kept for Shiva), Tuesday for Mars (often with Hanuman worship), Wednesday for Mercury, Thursday for Jupiter, Friday for Venus and Saturday for Saturn.
Lunar days have their own vrats too: Ekadashi for Vishnu, Pradosh for Shiva, Purnima, Amavasya and Sankashti Chaturthi. A Panchang shows when each one falls.
A vrat can be strict, with no food until evening, or light, with fruit, milk or one simple meal. The intention, the regularity and the prayer matter more than how hard it is.
Fasting is not right for everyone. If you are pregnant, unwell, diabetic or on regular medication, choose a gentle form or check with your doctor first. No vrat should put health at risk.