Vratam (Upavas)

In Hinduism, the fasting is known as Vrat or Vratam and Upavas. There are several fasting suggested for happy and peaceful life. In current time, Ekadashi, Pradosh and Sankashti are more prevalent and popular fasting among followers of Hinduism.

Ekadashi Upavas is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is the preserver of the life and Ekadashi fasting is suggested and mostly people do for long life, good health and getting rid of the cycle of birth and the death i.e. to attain Moksha. Pradosh Upavas fasting is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pradosh fasting is suggested and mostly people do to get a compatible life partner, marital bliss, sexual satisfaction and fulfillment in the life. Sankashti Upavas fasting is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Sankashti fasting is suggested to get rid of obstacles in life and mostly people do to get the difficult work done successfully without any obstructions and impediments.

Ekadashi Vrat and Pradosh Vrat are observed two times in the month while Sankashti Vrat is observed once every month as per Hindu calendar.