Weekly Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Ravi Vrat
Ravi Vrat is observed every Sunday in devotion to Surya Dev, the Sun God, who is one of the Navagrahas and the only directly visible deity in the Hindu pantheon. The Sun governs health, vitality, the eyes, career authority, and the blessings of one's father. This fast is particularly recommended for those suffering from eye ailments, skin diseases, weak constitution, or poor relations with their father. Ancient scriptures including the Bhavishya Purana extensively describe the glory of Surya worship on Sundays, promising freedom from disease, long life, prosperity, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth for sincere devotees.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Cures and prevents eye diseases and skin ailments, boosts vitality and physical strength, enhances career growth and leadership qualities, improves relations with the father and authority figures, removes the malefic effects of a weak Sun in the horoscope, grants long life, prosperity, and fame, and blesses devotees with the divine light of wisdom and clarity.
Procedure
Rise before sunrise on Sunday, bathe, and wear red or orange clothes — the colours of the Sun. Face east and offer arghya (water mixed with red sandalwood powder and red flowers) to the rising Sun. Recite the Aditya Hridayam or the Surya Chalisa. Perform a puja with red flowers, red sandalwood, wheat, and jaggery. Observe the Ravi Vrat Katha. Light a ghee lamp with a single wick. Donate wheat, jaggery, copper vessels, or red clothes to a Brahmin or the needy.
When to Observe
Every Sunday throughout the year. Sundays that coincide with Saptami tithi (7th lunar day) are doubly auspicious — known as Bhanusaptami — and are among the most powerful days for Surya worship. Sundays during Uttarayana (Sun's northward journey) and on Makar Sankranti or Ratha Saptami are especially sacred.
Fasting Rules
Observe a strict single-meal fast — eat only once before sunset, or observe a full nirjala fast for greater merit. The meal should be simple, salt-free, and without oil according to stricter traditions, though a light vegetarian meal is accepted in most households. Absolutely avoid non-vegetarian food, salt, and oil if possible. Red-coloured foods such as tomato, pomegranate, and red lentils are considered especially appropriate on this day.
How to Break the Fast
Break the fast before sunset — ideally around midday after the Surya puja. The first meal should include wheat-based food (rotis made without salt or with minimal salt) and jaggery, as both are sacred to the Sun. Offer a portion of the meal to the Sun before eating. Avoid eating after sunset on Ravi Vrat. Donating food to a cow or feeding birds (especially crows) before the meal is considered highly meritorious.
FAQ
Q.What is Ravi Vrat?
Ravi Vrat is observed every Sunday in devotion to Surya Dev, the Sun God, who is one of the Navagrahas and the only directly visible deity in the Hindu pantheon. The Sun governs health, vitality, the eyes, career authority, and the blessings of one's...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Ravi Vrat?
Observe a strict single-meal fast — eat only once before sunset, or observe a full nirjala fast for greater merit. The meal should be simple, salt-free, and without oil according to stricter traditions, though a light vegetarian meal is accepted in most households. Absolutely avoid non-vegetarian food, salt, and oil if possible. Red-coloured foods such as tomato, pomegranate, and red lentils are considered especially appropriate on this day.
Q.When should Ravi Vrat be observed?
Every Sunday throughout the year. Sundays that coincide with Saptami tithi (7th lunar day) are doubly auspicious — known as Bhanusaptami — and are among the most powerful days for Surya worship. Sundays during Uttarayana (Sun's northward journey) and on Makar Sankranti or Ratha Saptami are especially sacred.
Q.What are the benefits of Ravi Vrat?
Cures and prevents eye diseases and skin ailments, boosts vitality and physical strength, enhances career growth and leadership qualities, improves relations with the father and authority figures, removes the malefic effects of a weak Sun in the horoscope, grants long life, prosperity, and fame, and blesses devotees with the divine light of wisdom and clarity.