fasts and vrats
What is Solah Somvar vrat and how is it observed?
What the vrat is
Solah Somvar vrat means the 16-Monday fast. Somvar is Monday in Hindi and Sanskrit. The vrat is described in the Skanda Purana, an old text about Shiva. It is a way of worshipping Shiva through fasting and prayer over 16 consecutive weeks. The vrat is believed to bring blessings, answer prayers, and deepen devotion to Shiva.
How it is done
On each Monday, the person fasts. The fast can be full, with no food or water, or partial, with fruit, milk, or light food—this varies by family and strength. During the day, people worship Shiva with puja, offerings of flowers, water, milk, and prayers. In the evening or after sunset, they listen to or read the vrat katha, a story that explains the meaning and power of the fast. Then the fast is broken with specific foods. Each of the 16 weeks has its own recommended food for breaking the fast—things like kheer, halwa, fruit, milk, or simple grains. The exact foods can differ by region and family tradition.
In practice today
People observe this vrat for many reasons—to seek Shiva's blessings, to fulfill a wish or prayer, or to deepen their spiritual practice. Some do it alone at home, others in a group or temple. The 16 weeks take about four months, so people often plan it around their calendar. Many families pass the practice down, and it is common among Shiva devotees in India and in Hindu communities abroad. How strictly people follow the fasting rules and which foods they use can vary widely by household and region.