Monthly Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Ashtami Vrat
Ashtami Vrat is observed on the 8th tithi (lunar day) of both the bright fortnight (Shukla Ashtami) and the dark fortnight (Krishna Ashtami) of every month, in devotion to Goddess Durga and her many manifestations — Mahagauri, Kalashtami, or Durgashtami depending on the month. The number eight is sacred to Shakti, representing her eight arms and the Ashta Matrikas (eight divine mothers). Krishna Ashtami of Bhadrapada (Janmashtami) is a celebrated subset of this vrat. Monthly observance of both Ashtamis keeps the devotee perpetually under Devi's protective grace, guarding against negative forces and bestowing strength and courage.
Last updated: 24 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Invokes Devi's protection against enemies, evil spirits, and negative energies, grants courage and inner strength to face life's challenges, blesses women with marital happiness and fertility, removes the fear of premature death, accelerates progress on the spiritual path, bestows victory over obstacles, and ensures the welfare and protection of children and family.
Procedure
On Ashtami, rise before dawn, bathe, and wear red clothes. Install an image of Goddess Durga or your preferred Devi form. Perform a Shodashopachara puja with red flowers, red kumkum, red chunari (cloth), coconut, and betel nuts. Light a camphor lamp (karpur aarti). Recite Durga Saptashati or Devi Kavacham. If it is a Kalashtami (Krishna Ashtami), specifically worship Kali with midnight puja. Perform kanya puja by feeding young girls and offering them gifts as symbolic worship of Devi.
When to Observe
Twice every lunar month — on Shukla Paksha Ashtami (8th day of the waxing moon) and Krishna Paksha Ashtami (8th day of the waning moon). The most significant are: Durga Ashtami in Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri, Janmashtami (Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami), and Kalashtami in Margashirsha. Together these occur approximately 24–26 times a year.
Fasting Rules
Fast from sunrise to sunset on both Shukla Ashtami and Krishna Ashtami each month. Avoid grains, lentils, non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic. A phalahar diet of fruits, milk, and sabudana is standard. On Kalashtami (Krishna Ashtami associated with Kali worship), some devotees fast until midnight when the puja is performed. Women who observe this vrat for marital blessings often follow a stricter nirjala fast.
How to Break the Fast
Break the fast at sunset after performing the evening aarti of Devi. For Kalashtami, break the fast after the midnight puja is complete. The first food should be prasad offered to the Goddess — typically sweet rice, halwa, or puri-chana. Feed young girls (kanya) before eating yourself if a kanya puja was performed. Distribute prasad to all family members as Devi's blessing.
FAQ
Q.What is Ashtami Vrat?
Ashtami Vrat is observed on the 8th tithi (lunar day) of both the bright fortnight (Shukla Ashtami) and the dark fortnight (Krishna Ashtami) of every month, in devotion to Goddess Durga and her many manifestations — Mahagauri, Kalashtami, or Durgasht...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Ashtami Vrat?
Fast from sunrise to sunset on both Shukla Ashtami and Krishna Ashtami each month. Avoid grains, lentils, non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic. A phalahar diet of fruits, milk, and sabudana is standard. On Kalashtami (Krishna Ashtami associated with Kali worship), some devotees fast until midnight when the puja is performed. Women who observe this vrat for marital blessings often follow a stricter nirjala fast.
Q.When should Ashtami Vrat be observed?
Twice every lunar month — on Shukla Paksha Ashtami (8th day of the waxing moon) and Krishna Paksha Ashtami (8th day of the waning moon). The most significant are: Durga Ashtami in Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri, Janmashtami (Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami), and Kalashtami in Margashirsha. Together these occur approximately 24–26 times a year.
Q.What are the benefits of Ashtami Vrat?
Invokes Devi's protection against enemies, evil spirits, and negative energies, grants courage and inner strength to face life's challenges, blesses women with marital happiness and fertility, removes the fear of premature death, accelerates progress on the spiritual path, bestows victory over obstacles, and ensures the welfare and protection of children and family.