Twice monthly (11th lunar day)24 hours (sunrise to next sunrise) or partial
The most commonly observed Hindu fast, falling on the 11th day of each lunar fortnight. Twice a month means 24 fasts per year — scientifically aligned with intermittent fasting benefits.
Usually allowed
Water, Milk, Fruits, Sabudana, Sendha namak, Nuts, Sweet potato, Singhare ka atta
Usually avoided
All grains, Lentils, Onion and garlic, Non-veg, Regular salt
Traditionally valued for: Spiritual discipline and mind purification; A regular rest for the digestive system; Regular fasting may improve insulin sensitivity.
Nutritionist’s note: Sabudana, potato and fried vrat snacks are heavy in starch; add curd, paneer, nuts or rajgira for protein, and drink enough water.
Every MondayFull day or until evening (sunset)
A weekly fast observed by devotees of Lord Shiva. One of the most popular weekly fasts in North India. Eating one meal after sunset is the common practice.
Usually allowed
Milk and milk products, Fruits, Sendha namak, Sabudana, One meal at sunset
Usually avoided
Regular salt (in strict fasting), Non-veg, Onion, garlic
Traditionally valued for: Dedicated to Lord Shiva; Improves mental focus for the week; Weekly digestive rest.
Every TuesdayFull day or until sunset
Observed primarily by Hanuman devotees and those seeking to pacify Mars (Mangal) in their horoscope. Popular in Maharashtra and North India.
Usually allowed
Fruits, Milk, One meal after sunset, Sweets made without onion/garlic
Usually avoided
Non-veg, Onion and garlic, Multiple meals
Traditionally valued for: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesh; Builds physical and mental strength; Clears obstacles (Manglya dosha).
Twice yearly (Chaitra & Ashwin)9 days
One of the most powerful fasting periods in India. Nine days of grain-free, high-fruit eating twice a year (spring and autumn) naturally aligns with Ayurvedic seasonal transition cleanses.
Usually allowed
Fruits, Sabudana, Kuttu (buckwheat), Singhara (water chestnut) flour, Milk and dairy, Rock salt, Amaranth (rajgira), Potatoes
Usually avoided
All regular grains (rice, wheat, dal), Onion, garlic, Non-vegetarian, Regular salt, Alcohol
Traditionally valued for: Spiritual alignment with the goddess energy; A seasonal reset of eating habits; More fruit, milk and home-cooked food.
Nutritionist’s note: Nine days of sabudana and fried kuttu can raise blood sugar and weight. Plan protein (paneer, curd, makhana, nuts) and roasted rather than fried snacks.
Every Monday in the holy month of Shravan (July–August)Full day
Mondays during the Hindu month of Shravan are considered especially sacred to Lord Shiva. The fasting during monsoon aligns perfectly with Ayurveda's recommendation for light eating in Varsha Ritu.
Usually allowed
Milk and milk products, Fruits, Sabudana, Sendha namak
Usually avoided
Non-veg, Onion, garlic, Regular grains
Traditionally valued for: Most sacred Shiva fasting period; Light eating in the monsoon, as Ayurveda advises; Deep spiritual merit.
Twice monthly (13th lunar day)Until sunset
Observed on Trayodashi (13th lunar day). The fast is broken in the evening Pradosh period — 1.5 hours after sunset. Popular among married couples for marital harmony.
Usually allowed
Fruits, Milk, Sendha namak dishes, Water
Usually avoided
Grains, Non-veg, Onion and garlic
Traditionally valued for: Pacifies Shiva and Parvati; Twice-monthly digestive rest; Spiritual discipline.
Once monthly (New Moon)Full day
The new moon day — considered powerful for ancestral rites (Shraddha/Tarpan). A fast to honor ancestors and seek their blessings. Sesame seeds are especially auspicious on this day.
Usually allowed
Fruits, Milk, Kheer (rice pudding), Til (sesame) preparations
Usually avoided
Non-veg, Onion, garlic, Meat
Traditionally valued for: Ancestral propitiation (Pitru tarpan); Emotional cleansing; Monthly reset of lunar energy.
Once monthly (Full Moon)Full day
The full moon is considered the most powerful lunar day for both Hindus and Buddhists. Fasting on Purnima is believed to purify the mind and enhance spiritual practice.
Usually allowed
Fruits, Milk, Sattvic foods only
Usually avoided
Non-veg, Tamasic food, Onion, garlic, Alcohol
Traditionally valued for: A monthly day of reflection; Buddhist Uposatha — meditation deepens on full moon; Mental clarity and intuition.
Daily or several times weekly16-hour fast window, 8-hour eating window
Eating within an 8-hour window and fasting for 16 hours, mostly overnight. Popular versions skip breakfast (12pm–8pm), but an early window such as 8am–4pm keeps breakfast and an early, light dinner, which fits both Ayurveda’s advice of a light dinner and Suphala Care’s advice of a protein-rich breakfast.
Usually allowed
Water, Black coffee, Plain tea, Herbal teas, Electrolytes
Usually avoided
Any food with calories during fasting window
Traditionally valued for: Autophagy (cellular self-cleaning); Improves insulin sensitivity; Weight management; Simplifies digestion; Aligns with Ayurvedic principle of light dinners.
Nutritionist’s note: Suphala Care recommends keeping a protein-rich breakfast, especially with prediabetes, diabetes or PCOS: choose an early window rather than skipping breakfast. Not suitable for pregnancy, children, people with a history of eating disorders, or anyone on insulin or sugar-lowering tablets without their doctor’s advice.
Weekly or as neededFull day
An entire day on fruits only. A gentle option for a day of lighter eating, or an option for those who wish to observe Hindu fasts without the specific Vrat restrictions.
Usually allowed
All fresh fruits, Coconut water, Fresh juices (no added sugar), Nuts and seeds
Usually avoided
All cooked food, Grains, Dairy, Processed food
Traditionally valued for: Rich in fibre, vitamins and antioxidants; Easy on the digestive system; Suitable as an Ekadashi or Navratri option.
Nutritionist’s note: A whole day of fruit is a lot of natural sugar for people with diabetes or prediabetes; pair fruit with nuts or curd, or choose another fast.