Vrat Udyapan

‘Vrata’ generally denotes a particular ritual, performed by any individual, over a particular period of time.  In this, certain obligations are achieved for acquiring divine blessings for the fulfilment of one’s desire/s.  The Sanskrit meaning of this word is to vow or to promise.

A ‘vrata’ may consist of one or several actions together or at the same time.  It may include partial or complete fast on a particular day (or ‘tithi ’), a visit to a particular place, performing a particular ‘puja’, reciting a particular ‘mantra’ in certain number or some other form of action.  Sometimes, the client appoints a particular Hindu Priest for performing a particular ‘vrata’ on his behalf.  The objective behind performing any particular ‘vrata’ could be different.  Immediate marriage happening, gaining lost wealth / health, getting immediate job, getting divine assistance in difficult period could be some of the objectives.

‘Udyapan’ is the formal completion or ending of one’s observed ‘vrat’.  It is performed on an auspicious day, with a ritual performed by Hindu priests.  The ritual differs for every ‘vrata’ observed.

Some commonly performed ‘vrata’ are ...

• Haritalika Vrata
• Sankashti Chaturthi Vrata
• Rushi Panchami Vrata
• Upang Lalita Vrata
• Pradosh Vrata
• Anant Chaturdashi Vrata
• Shivratri Vrata
• Vat Savitri Vrata
• 16 Somvar Vrata
• Shiv Mushti Vrata
• Mangala Gouri Vrata
• Kokila Vrata