A daily guide to weekly Hindu practices
In Hinduism, each day of the week is dedicated to one or more deities of the faith. Special rituals, including prayer and fasting, are performed to honor these gods and goddesses. Each day is also associated with a celestial body of Vedic astrology and has a corresponding gem and color.
There are two different types of fasting in Hinduism. Upvaas are fasts made to fulfill a vow, while vratas are fasts made to observe religious rituals. Devotees can engage in both types of fasting during the week, depending on their spiritual intentions.
The ancient Hindu sages used observances as ritual fasts to spread awareness of different gods. They believed that abstention from food and drink would pave the way for the divine for devotees to realize God, who is understood as the only purpose of human existence.
In the Hindu calendar, the days are named after the seven celestial bodies of the ancient solar system: the sun, the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
Monday (Somvar)
Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort goddess Parvati. Lord Ganesha, their son, is revered at the beginning of the cult. Devotees also listen to devotional songs called shiva bhajan on this day. Shiva is associated with Chandra, the moon. White is its color and pearl its precious stone.
The fast Somvar Vrat or Monday is observed from sunrise to sunset, broken after evening prayers. Hindus believe that through fasting, they will receive wisdom from Lord Shiva who will fulfill all their desires. In some places, unmarried women fast to attract the ideal husband.
Tuesday (Mangalvar)
Tuesday is dedicated to the gods Lord Hanuman and Mangal, the planet Mars. In southern India, the day is dedicated to the god Skanda. Devotees also listen to Hanuman Chalisa, songs dedicated to the Simian deity, on this day. Hindu believers fast to honor Hanuman and seek his help to ward off evil and overcome obstacles in their way.
Fasting is also observed by couples who want to have a child. After dark, fasting is usually interrupted by a meal consisting only of wheat and jaggery (case sugar). People wear red clothes on Tuesdays and offer red flowers to Lord Hanuman. Moonga (red coral) is the favorite gem of the day.
Wednesday (Budhvar)
Wednesday is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Vithal, an incarnation of Krishna. The day is associated with Budh, the planet Mercury. In some places, Vishnu is also worshiped. Devotees listen to Krishna Bhajan (songs) on this day. Green is the favorite color and onyx and emerald are the favorite gems.
Hindu devotees who fast on Wednesday take one meal in the afternoon. Budhvar Upvaas (Wednesday fasting) are traditionally observed by couples looking for a quiet family life and students who want academic success. People start a new business or business on Wednesday as the planet Mercury or Budh is believed to increase new plans.
Thursday (Guruvar or Vrihaspativar)
Thursday is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Brihaspati, the guru of the gods. The planet of Vishnu is Jupiter. Devotees listen to devotional songs, such as "Om Jai Jagadish Hare" and fast for wealth, success, fame and happiness.
Yellow is the traditional color of Vishnu. When fasting is stopped after dark, the meal traditionally consists of yellow foods such as chana daal (Bengal gram) and clarified butter (clarified butter). Hindus also wear yellow clothes and offer yellow flowers and bananas to Vishnu.
Friday (Shukravar)
Friday is dedicated to Shakti, the mother goddess associated with the planet Venus; The goddesses Durga and Kali are also revered. Devotees perform the ceremonies of Durga Aarti, Kali Aarti and Santoshi Mata Aarti on this day. Hindus quickly seek material wealth and happiness to honor Shakti, having only one meal after dark.
Since white is the color most closely associated with Shakti, the evening meal typically consists of white foods such as kheer or payasam, a dessert made from milk and rice. The offerings of chana (Bengal gram) and gur (jaggery or solid molasses) are given to appeal to the goddess, and acidic foods should be avoided.
Other colors associated with Shakti include orange, violet, purple and burgundy, and its precious stone is diamond.
Saturday (Shanivar)
Saturday is dedicated to the fearsome god Shani, associated with the planet Saturn. In Hindu mythology, Shani is a hunter who brings bad luck. Devotees go from sunrise to sunset, seeking protection from Shani's bad will, disease, and other misfortunes. After sunset, Hindus break their fast by eating food prepared with black sesame oil or black gram (beans) and cooked without salt.
Devotees who observe fasting usually visit Shani shrines and offer black objects such as sesame oil, black clothes and black beans. Some also worship peepal (the holy Indian fig) and tie a thread around its bark, or offer prayers to Lord Hanuman for protection from Shani's wrath. Blue and black are Shani's colors. Blue gemstones, such as blue sapphire and black iron rings made of horseshoes, are often worn to ward off Shani.
Sunday (Ravivar)
Sunday is dedicated to Lord Surya or Suryanarayana, the sun god. Devotees quickly seek his help to satisfy their desires and cure skin diseases. Hindus start the day with a ritual bath and thorough house cleaning. They continue to fast throughout the day, eating only after sunset and avoiding salt, oil and fried foods. Alms are also given on that day.
Surya is represented by rubies and red and pink colors. To honor this deity, the Hindus will dress in red, apply a spot of red sandalwood paste on the forehead and offer red flowers to statues and icons of the sun god.