Weekly Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Budh Vrat
Budh Vrat is observed every Wednesday in honour of Budh Dev, the presiding deity of the planet Mercury (Budha graha). In Hindu astrology Mercury governs intelligence, communication, commerce, and learning, and a weak Mercury in one's horoscope can cause difficulties in speech, education, and business. Lord Vishnu is worshipped as the presiding deity on Wednesday in many traditions, as Mercury is considered his emanation. Green is the sacred colour of this vrat — devotees wear green clothes, offer green items, and donate green-coloured objects as a mark of reverence to Budh Dev.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Strengthens Mercury in the horoscope and removes its malefic effects, sharpens intellect and memory, improves communication and oratory skills, brings success in education and business, removes obstacles in trade and financial dealings, blesses with wit and adaptability, and earns the grace of both Budh Dev and Lord Vishnu.
Procedure
Wake early on Wednesday, bathe, and wear green clothes. Set up a puja with an image or idol of Budh Dev or Lord Vishnu. Offer green flowers (especially green-tinged chrysanthemum or neem flowers), green grass, moong dal, and green fruits. Light a ghee lamp and incense. Recite the Budh Beej Mantra (Om Bram Breem Broum Sah Budhaya Namah) 108 times. Read the Budh Vrat Katha. Donate green moong dal, green vegetables, or green cloth to a Brahmin or the needy.
When to Observe
Every Wednesday throughout the year. Wednesdays falling during Mercury's transit (Budh Gochar) or during Budh Hora (Mercury hour after sunrise) are especially powerful. Those with a weak or afflicted Mercury in their natal chart are advised to observe this vrat regularly.
Fasting Rules
Observe a partial or full fast on Wednesday. Many devotees eat only one meal in the afternoon or consume a simple phalahar (fruits, milk, nuts). Avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and onion-garlic on this day. Green moong dal khichdi is a traditional acceptable food if a full fast is not observed. Eating green-coloured foods is considered auspicious on this day.
How to Break the Fast
Break the fast in the afternoon or evening after completing the puja. The first food should ideally be green moong dal, green vegetables, or any green-hued preparation. Before eating, offer a portion as prasad to Budh Dev. Sharing the prasad meal with family or donating a portion to the needy further enhances the merit of the vrat.
FAQ
Q.What is Budh Vrat?
Budh Vrat is observed every Wednesday in honour of Budh Dev, the presiding deity of the planet Mercury (Budha graha). In Hindu astrology Mercury governs intelligence, communication, commerce, and learning, and a weak Mercury in one's horoscope can ca...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Budh Vrat?
Observe a partial or full fast on Wednesday. Many devotees eat only one meal in the afternoon or consume a simple phalahar (fruits, milk, nuts). Avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and onion-garlic on this day. Green moong dal khichdi is a traditional acceptable food if a full fast is not observed. Eating green-coloured foods is considered auspicious on this day.
Q.When should Budh Vrat be observed?
Every Wednesday throughout the year. Wednesdays falling during Mercury's transit (Budh Gochar) or during Budh Hora (Mercury hour after sunrise) are especially powerful. Those with a weak or afflicted Mercury in their natal chart are advised to observe this vrat regularly.
Q.What are the benefits of Budh Vrat?
Strengthens Mercury in the horoscope and removes its malefic effects, sharpens intellect and memory, improves communication and oratory skills, brings success in education and business, removes obstacles in trade and financial dealings, blesses with wit and adaptability, and earns the grace of both Budh Dev and Lord Vishnu.