Monday Fast Rules: Whether you’re observing it for devotion, discipline, or detox, Monday fasting—known as Somvar Vrat—is far more than skipping meals. It’s a spiritual commitment for some, a mindful ritual for others, and a blend of both for many.
In this guide, you’ll find every detail you need to follow the Monday fast correctly—what to eat, what to avoid, the rituals, the health angle, the benefits, and the most common mistakes. If you’ve ever typed “Monday fast rules” into a search bar and left with more questions than answers, you’re in the right place.
What Is Monday Fasting and Why Is It Observed?
Monday fasting, or Somvar Vrat, is traditionally observed to worship Lord Shiva—the embodiment of peace, transformation, and balance. The word Somvar literally means “Monday” in Hindi, and Vrat means “fast” or “vow.”
People keep this fast:
- To seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for peace, prosperity, and marital harmony.
- To fulfil personal wishes or resolve life obstacles.
- To cleanse the body and mind through restraint and awareness.
It’s especially popular during the Shravan month (July–August), considered sacred in the Hindu calendar. That said, devotees may fast on any Monday throughout the year.
Who Typically Observes This Fast?
While open to everyone, these are the most common groups:
- Married women are for the well-being of their husbands and family.
- Unmarried women are hoping to find a good life partner.
- Men and women are facing personal or professional challenges.
- Devotees during Shravan seek spiritual growth.
- Wellness practitioners use it for mindful intermittent fasting.
Whether your reasons are religious or personal, the fast can offer benefits—when followed mindfully.
Also Read: Can We Eat Salt in Monday Fast?
Different Types of Monday Fasts (Choose Based on Your Intent & Ability)
1. Somvar Vrat (Traditional Religious Fast)
- Involves fasting from sunrise to sunset.
- Only sattvic foods (non-spicy, vegetarian) are consumed.
- A puja ritual is performed for Lord Shiva.
2. Solah Somvar Vrat (Sixteen-Monday Fast)
- A more rigorous form was observed for 16 consecutive Mondays.
- Often undertaken with a specific wish or life goal in mind.
- Many follow it with a final Udyapan ritual on the 17th Monday.
3. Partial Fast
- Ideal for those with health limitations.
- Involves eating only fruits, milk, nuts, and herbal teas.
- No grains, salt, or cooked meals.
4. Nirjala Vrat (Waterless Fast)
- Most austere version—no food or water all day.
- Only done under spiritual guidance or during Shravan Mondays.
- Not recommended for beginners or those with health issues.
5. Health-Focused Intermittent Fasting
- Modern take on fasting for body detox and weight control.
- 16:8, 24-hour fast, or OMAD (One Meal A Day).
- More flexible with food types, but still requires discipline.
Monday Fast Rules (Step-by-Step)
Fasting on a Monday isn’t just about giving up food—it’s a full-day spiritual practice that starts with intention and ends with gratitude. Here’s how to follow it correctly, from sunrise to sunset.
✅ Before Sunrise: Set the Tone for the Day
The way you begin your Monday fast sets the tone for everything that follows. You’re not just preparing your body—you’re preparing your space and mindset.
- Wake up early, ideally during Brahma Muhurta (around 4–6 AM). This time is considered most spiritually charged.
- Take a bath to purify yourself physically and mentally.
- Clean your home altar or puja space. Wipe it down with fresh water, and keep your offerings ready.
- Dress in clean, simple clothes, preferably white, blue, or pastel shades—colours associated with calmness and purity.
- Keep a calm mindset, avoid distractions, and start your day with purpose.
Also Read: Sunday Fast Rules – A Complete Guide for You
🕉️ During the Day: Observe Rituals & Maintain Discipline
This is the heart of your fast. It’s about more than abstaining from food—it’s a day of discipline, quiet reflection, and devotion.
- Perform your morning puja:
- Offer sacred items like raw milk, clean water, bael leaves, uncooked rice, and white flowers to a Shiva Linga or image.
- Light a diya (oil lamp) and incense to mark the start of worship.
- Chant sacred mantras:
- Recite “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times, or
- Chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for protection and peace.
- This helps centre your mind and clear away distractions.
- Read or listen to the Somvar Vrat Katha:
- This traditional story is an important part of the fast, reminding you why it’s observed and the blessings it can bring.
- Avoid negative speech or gossip.
- Speak only when needed, and keep a peaceful tone. Silence or minimal communication is often encouraged to conserve energy and stay inward.
- Follow food restrictions strictly:
- Avoid grains, lentils, onion, garlic, and regular salt.
- Eat fruits, milk, nuts, and foods prepared with rock salt (sendha namak)—if you’re doing a partial fast.
- Those keeping a full fast should avoid all food until sunset or the next morning, depending on the tradition.
- Mind your actions:
- Many devotees avoid cutting nails, shaving, or wearing black on fast days. These actions are believed to disturb the sanctity of the practice.
🌇 After Sunset: Break the Fast with Gratitude
As the day comes to a close, it’s time to wrap up your fast with a quiet sense of fulfilment and thanks.
- Perform evening aarti:
- Light incense and ghee lamps again. Sing or play a Shiva aarti to conclude your day of devotion.
- Break your fast with sattvic food:
- Choose light, easy-to-digest dishes like sabudana khichdi, kuttu poori, fruits, or milk-based dishes like lauki kheer.
- If you’ve been on a strict fast, start with water or warm milk, wait a bit, and then eat.
- Avoid overeating:
- Your digestive system has been resting all day. A heavy meal can lead to discomfort. Keep it light and nourishing.
Somvar Vrat Katha: Why It’s an Essential Part of the Monday Fast
No Monday fast (Somvar Vrat) is considered complete without listening to or reading the Somvar Vrat Katha. It’s not just a ritual—it’s a spiritual reminder of devotion, faith, and the transformative power of Lord Shiva’s blessings.
🕰️ When to Read the Katha:
- Traditionally recited after completing the morning puja or during the evening aarti, before breaking your fast.
- You can read it alone or listen to it with your family. Many devotees prefer to play an audio version if they’re unable to read in Sanskrit or Hindi.
📜 What Is the Somvar Vrat Katha?
The katha (story) narrates the tale of a poor but devout woodcutter who, despite his hardships, fasted every Monday and worshipped Lord Shiva with unwavering faith. Over time, his consistent devotion earned him divine blessings—wealth, peace, and happiness in his family.
Another version tells the story of a childless queen who observed 16 consecutive Monday fasts and listened to the katha with full faith. In return, she was blessed with a child and a peaceful household.
The moral across all versions is clear:
When the fast is performed with sincerity and the story is heard with faith, Lord Shiva fulfils heartfelt desires—whether it’s peace of mind, health, marriage, or family happiness.
How to Perform the Katha:
- Light a diya and sit in a clean, quiet space.
- Offer flowers or incense to a photo or idol of Lord Shiva.
- Read or listen to the Somvar Vrat Katha with focus—don’t rush.
- After the story, perform a brief aarti (Om Jai Shiv Omkara is commonly used).
- Ask for forgiveness for any mistakes in the fast or rituals.
Also Read: 16 Monday Fast Rules: A Guide to Solah Somwar Vrat
What Foods Are Allowed During Monday Fast?
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Fruits (banana, apple, papaya) | Salt (regular iodised salt) |
| Milk, curd, buttermilk | Onion and garlic |
| Sabudana (sago), kuttu, singhara | Wheat, rice, lentils |
| Rock salt (Sendha Namak) | Non-veg, spicy, or deep-fried food |
| Coconut water, herbal tea | Processed food, caffeine (optional) |
| Dry fruits, honey | Bakery products |
📝 Quick Tip: Use rock salt instead of regular salt for recipes like vrat-friendly khichdi, cutlets, or raita.
Benefits of Monday Fasting (Spiritual + Physical)
🔱 Spiritual Benefits
- Strengthens your connection with Lord Shiva.
- Brings clarity, peace, and protection from negativity.
- Cultivates patience, control, and gratitude.
🧘 Mental Benefits
- Improved focus and discipline.
- Reduction in mental clutter and impulsive habits.
- Time to reflect, detox from distractions, and centre your thoughts.
🥗 Health Benefits
- Supports digestion and metabolism.
- Promotes cellular repair through autophagy (during long fasts).
- Reduces bloating and sugar cravings.
Who Should NOT Fast on Mondays?
While Monday fasting has many benefits, it’s not for everyone. You should avoid or modify fasting if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have chronic conditions like diabetes or low BP
- You’re recovering from surgery or are underweight
- You’re on medications that require timely meals
- You’re under 18 or elderly (unless guided medically)
Always listen to your body. Fasting is not punishment—it’s a practice of mindful restraint.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Fasting without hydrating—leads to dizziness or fatigue.
- Eating a heavy or oily meal after the fast—causes bloating.
- Ignoring underlying health issues to follow a trend.
- Fasting without understanding the intent or method.
- Mixing foods improperly (e.g., milk and fruits that don’t pair well).
Final Word
Monday fasting isn’t just about skipping food—it’s about creating space. Space for spiritual connection, inner discipline, and physical reset. Whether you’re observing it with faith in Lord Shiva or using it to improve health and self-control, the key is to be intentional.
Follow the Monday fast rules that match your path, and stick with it consistently. Over time, you’ll notice that fasting doesn’t deprive—it simplifies. It doesn’t weaken—it strengthens. And above all, it connects you back to what truly matters.
Also Read: What to Eat During a Tuesday Fast
FAQs: Monday Fast Rules Answered
What can be eaten on Monday fast?
You can eat fruits, milk, dry fruits, coconut water, sabudana (sago), kuttu (buckwheat flour), singhara (water chestnut flour), curd, and vrat-friendly dishes made without onion, garlic, grains, or regular salt. Use rock salt (sendha namak) if needed.
Can we eat after 12 in Monday fast?
It depends on the type of fast. In partial fasts, some people eat one sattvic meal after noon. But in traditional Somvar Vrat, food is usually consumed only after sunset, once the evening puja and aarti are completed.
Is it necessary to wash hair on Monday fast?
No, it’s not compulsory to wash your hair every Monday. However, many devotees prefer to bathe fully (including hair wash) as part of starting the day clean and pure, especially during the Shravan month.
Can we drink water on Monday fast?
Yes, you can and should drink water, especially during long fasts. Only those observing a Nirjala Vrat (strict waterless fast) avoid it, and that too under spiritual guidance. For most devotees, staying hydrated is recommended.
Why not wash hair on Monday?
There’s no fixed religious rule banning hair washing on Mondays. Some traditional households avoid it based on regional customs or beliefs related to astrology or vrat niyam. It’s optional and varies by practice.
When should I break my Somvar fast?
The fast is usually broken after sunset, once you’ve performed the evening puja and aarti. Some prefer to break it after seeing the moon or completing the reading of the Somvar Vrat Katha.
Which fast is good for an unmarried girl?
The Solah Somvar Vrat (16 consecutive Monday fasts) is widely observed by unmarried girls seeking a good life partner. It’s considered highly auspicious and is said to bring peace, strength, and marital blessings.
Can we eat banana in Monday fast?
Yes, bananas are allowed in Monday fasts. In fact, bananas, apples, papayas, and pomegranates are commonly eaten as part of a fruit-based partial fast.
What are the rituals for Monday fasting?
Somvar Vrat rituals include waking up early, offering milk, bael leaves, and white flowers to Lord Shiva, chanting mantras, and listening to the vrat katha. Devotees maintain peace, avoid negativity, and end the fast in the evening with aarti and light, sattvic food.
Can we drink lemon water in Monday fast?
Yes, lemon water without salt is generally allowed and helps with hydration. Just avoid adding sugar or salt unless it’s rock salt (sendha namak) and only if your fasting type permits.
Can we eat chapati during vrat?
Regular wheat chapatis are not allowed in most traditional Monday fasts. You can eat chapatis made from vrat-friendly flours like kuttu (buckwheat) or singhara instead, cooked without regular salt or oil.
Can I drink tea or coffee during Monday fast?
In religious fasts, tea and coffee are typically avoided. In health fasts, plain black coffee or herbal tea is fine.
Is it okay to fast during menstruation?
Some choose to skip; others continue based on personal belief. It’s entirely up to your comfort and tradition.
Can I travel while keeping Monday fast?
Yes, just carry fruits, nuts, and water with you. Try to do a simple mental prayer if full rituals aren’t possible.
