Monthly Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Dashami Vrat
Dashami Vrat is observed on the 10th tithi of both fortnights each month, with special significance attached to the Shukla Dashami — the tenth day of the waxing moon. The 10th tithi is governed by Dharmaraja (Yama), the lord of death and cosmic justice, who ensures that karma is properly balanced and that the righteous are rewarded. Devotees fast on Dashami to invoke Yama's grace, ensuring a favorable judgment after death and protection from untimely demise. The most celebrated Dashami of the year is Vijayadashami — Dussehra — observed on Ashwina Shukla Dashami, marking the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and the culmination of the nine-night Navratri festival. Dashami is also associated with Lord Vishnu's glory, as several Dashami dates celebrate Vishnu's victories and cosmic acts. Observing Dashami Vrat is said to remove the fear of death and grant a long, righteous life.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Removes the fear of untimely death and ensures a long, healthy life. Earns the grace of Yama — the lord of dharma — leading to a favorable afterlife and good rebirth. Removes sins related to injustice, falsehood, and unethical conduct. Vijayadashami fasting grants the energy of victory over all enemies, obstacles, and inner demons. Blesses with success in legal matters and victory in disputes. Regular Dashami Vrat is said to grant the spiritual merit equivalent to donating gold — it purifies dharmic conduct and strengthens one's righteous path.
Procedure
On Dashami, wake early and take a bath. Worship Lord Yama with black sesame seeds, black cloth, and oil lamps — face south (the direction of Yama) while worshipping. Also worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi, yellow flowers, and panchamrit abhishek. Recite the Yama Stuti or Yamastakam and the Vishnu Sahasranama. On Vijayadashami, worship Shami tree (Prosopis cineraria) — place a gold or silver coin at its roots and recite Shami tree mantras. Perform Aparajita Puja (worship of the Aparajita creeper). Participate in the burning of Ravana effigy as a symbol of destroying the ten-headed ego.
When to Observe
Twice every month — Shukla Paksha Dashami and Krishna Paksha Dashami. The most significant is Vijayadashami (Ashwina Shukla Dashami / Dussehra), which marks victory of good over evil. Other notable Dashamis include Dashahara (Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami) for bathing in sacred rivers, Godhan Dashami, and the Dashami following each Navratri. The Shukla Dashami is generally more auspicious and is the preferred day for worship.
Fasting Rules
Observe a phalahar fast from sunrise to sunset. Avoid grains, lentils, non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, and salt where possible. Black sesame seeds and black foods in general are associated with Yama and may be avoided for eating (though offered in puja). Fruits, milk, and root vegetables are permitted. On Vijayadashami, many people observe a partial fast — eating only after the Shami puja and Ravana dahan ceremony are completed in the evening.
How to Break the Fast
Break the fast in the evening after completing the Yama and Vishnu puja. Offer sesame sweets (til laddoo) and jaggery to Yama symbolically, then eat a wholesome sattvic meal. On Vijayadashami, the fast is traditionally broken after the Ravana dahan and the Shami tree worship — share the Shami leaves with family members (it is considered equivalent to gifting gold). A communal meal with family after the ceremonies is traditional. Donate food and clothing to the poor on Dashami — this act of dharmic generosity is particularly meritorious on a day ruled by Dharmaraja.
FAQ
Q.What is Dashami Vrat?
Dashami Vrat is observed on the 10th tithi of both fortnights each month, with special significance attached to the Shukla Dashami — the tenth day of the waxing moon. The 10th tithi is governed by Dharmaraja (Yama), the lord of death and cosmic justi...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Dashami Vrat?
Observe a phalahar fast from sunrise to sunset. Avoid grains, lentils, non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, and salt where possible. Black sesame seeds and black foods in general are associated with Yama and may be avoided for eating (though offered in puja). Fruits, milk, and root vegetables are permitted. On Vijayadashami, many people observe a partial fast — eating only after the Shami puja and Ravana dahan ceremony are completed in the evening.
Q.When should Dashami Vrat be observed?
Twice every month — Shukla Paksha Dashami and Krishna Paksha Dashami. The most significant is Vijayadashami (Ashwina Shukla Dashami / Dussehra), which marks victory of good over evil. Other notable Dashamis include Dashahara (Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami) for bathing in sacred rivers, Godhan Dashami, and the Dashami following each Navratri. The Shukla Dashami is generally more auspicious and is the preferred day for worship.
Q.What are the benefits of Dashami Vrat?
Removes the fear of untimely death and ensures a long, healthy life. Earns the grace of Yama — the lord of dharma — leading to a favorable afterlife and good rebirth. Removes sins related to injustice, falsehood, and unethical conduct. Vijayadashami fasting grants the energy of victory over all enemies, obstacles, and inner demons. Blesses with success in legal matters and victory in disputes. Regular Dashami Vrat is said to grant the spiritual merit equivalent to donating gold — it purifies dharmic conduct and strengthens one's righteous path.