As already explained in our previous blogs, fasting or upvaas is given a great importance in the Hindu way of life. Fasting was viewed with great spiritual significance that we have dedicated everyday of a week for a particular God or deity and there are exclusive vrata/fasting procudures.

Tuesday (mangalwar) is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is very popular among North Indians, w... Read More  

Sankata’ stands for worries or problems. ‘Hara’ stands for elimination or removal.So observing Sankashta Chaturthi is believed to remove all obstacles and difficulties in one’s life.This vrata (fasting) is one of the widely performed fasting pujas in Indian household, mostly by women but not limited to them alone. Read More  

In 2011, there are 24 Ekadasis. Ekadashi is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar. Ekadasi 2011 dates based on Indian standard time (IST). Observing Ekadashi is also considered one of the ways to attain Moksha. Here are the Ekadasi dates in 2011.

January 15, 2011, Saturday – Putrada Ekadasi (Smarta)
January 16, 2011, Sunday – Putrada Ekadasi (Bhagavath in most regions on this day)
January 29, 2011, Sa... Read More  

If prayer is the essence of the soul, then fasting is an essential part of prayer and thus, it becomes part of the soul. Of all the searches for the supreme God, fasting has been one of the most common means to God. Yet, the fact that fasting can bring about control over one’s senses cannot be ignored. This very truth distinguishes between human and the divine. When a person can conquer his or her craving for food then the first step to God has been taken.

Prayer when combined with fasting is defined as voluntarily going without food in order to focus on prayer and thus build an association with God. Fasting disciplin... Read More