Each day of the week is ruled by a planet, and Indian tradition pairs each day with a deity and a vrat (fast or vow). A weekly fast is one of the simplest remedies in Vedic astrology: regular, inexpensive and good discipline for mind and body.
The seven days
| Day | Planet | Traditionally honours | Customary fast and offerings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Sun | Surya | One meal before sunset, often without salt; water offered to the rising Sun |
| Monday | Moon | Shiva, Parvati | Fruit and milk, or one meal; water or milk offered to Shiva |
| Tuesday | Mars | Hanuman | One meal without salt; red flowers, Hanuman Chalisa |
| Wednesday | Mercury | Ganesha, Vishnu | One meal; green moong dal, durva grass to Ganesha |
| Thursday | Jupiter | Vishnu, Brihaspati | Yellow food, chana dal, bananas; respect to teachers |
| Friday | Venus | Lakshmi, Santoshi Mata | White food; sweets, kheer; often no sour food on Santoshi Mata vrat |
| Saturday | Saturn | Shani, Hanuman | One meal; sesame, mustard oil lamp, black urad dal; help the poor |
Customs vary by region and family, so follow your own tradition where it differs.
Choosing a fast
- For your dasha: fast on the day of the planet whose mahadasha or sub-period you are running, especially if it is difficult.
- For a weak planet: the day of a planet that is weak or afflicted in your chart.
- For Sade Sati: Saturday is traditional; see Sade Sati.
- For your Lagna lord: strengthening the ruler of your ascendant supports the whole chart.
Keeping it healthy
- A "fast" can be one simple meal, fruit and milk, or simply avoiding grains; it need not be total.
- People with diabetes, low blood pressure or other conditions, pregnant women, children and the elderly should keep a light fast or a symbolic one, and check with a doctor.
- Drink enough water unless your tradition specifically says otherwise, and break the fast gently.
The spirit of the vrat
The real remedy is the attention: a day each week given to discipline, prayer and the qualities of that planet. Pair the fast with the planet's mantra and with conduct in its spirit, and keep it steadily. Monthly fasts such as Ekadashi follow the same principle.