Monthly Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Tritiya Vrat
Tritiya Vrat is observed on the 3rd tithi of both fortnights each month in devotion to Goddess Gauri, the benign, golden form of Parvati who represents marital bliss, purity, and divine feminine power. The third tithi is ruled by Gauri herself, making it naturally aligned with her worship. The most celebrated Tritiya is Hartalika Teej, observed on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya, when married and unmarried women fast without food or water for a full day and night to pray for an ideal husband or for the long life and prosperity of their existing husband. The Gaura Tritiya and Akshaya Tritiya (Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya) are other major observances — the latter being considered one of the most auspicious days of the entire Hindu calendar. Regular Tritiya Vrat by married women is said to replicate the intense penance Parvati performed to win Lord Shiva as her husband.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Blesses married women with a loving, devoted husband and a harmonious marital life. Unmarried women who observe this vrat are believed to receive a suitable groom who matches the qualities of Lord Shiva. Protects the husband from untimely death and illness. Bestows beauty, grace, and the radiance of Gauri on the devotee. Removes obstacles in marriage, resolves marital conflicts, and brings peace to the household. Grants fertility and the joy of motherhood to those desiring children.
Procedure
On Tritiya morning, bathe and dress in yellow or green — colors sacred to Goddess Gauri. Install an image or clay idol of Gauri-Parvati. Perform abhishek with panchamrit, then offer yellow flowers (marigold, champa), vermillion (sindoor), turmeric, green bangles, and seasonal fruits. Recite the Gauri Stotra or Parvati Ashtakam. On Hartalika Teej, make clay idols of Shiva and Parvati together, worship them through the night with devotional songs and stories from Shiva Purana, and keep a strict nirjala (waterless) fast. Swing observance (Teej swings) is traditional in North India.
When to Observe
Twice every month — Shukla Paksha Tritiya and Krishna Paksha Tritiya. The most significant are: Hartalika Teej (Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya), Akshaya Tritiya (Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya), Gangaur (Chaitra Shukla Tritiya celebrated in Rajasthan), and Rambha Tritiya. Haritalika Teej and Akshaya Tritiya are considered among the most auspicious days of the entire Hindu year.
Fasting Rules
For regular monthly Tritiya Vrat, observe a phalahar fast — avoid grains, lentils, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Fruits, milk, curd, and sabudana are permitted. For Hartalika Teej, a strict nirjala fast (no food or water) is observed from sunrise of Tritiya until the fast is broken on the following Chaturthi morning after puja. Women who are pregnant or unwell may substitute with a phalahar fast on Hartalika.
How to Break the Fast
For regular Tritiya Vrat, break the fast after sunset puja to Goddess Gauri. Offer sindoor, flowers, and fruits first, then consume a simple sattvic meal. Yellow sweets such as besan laddoo or mango-based dishes are auspicious to eat on Tritiya. For Hartalika Teej, break the fast the next morning (Chaturthi) after completing the final puja to the Shiva-Parvati clay idols, which are then immersed in a river or water body. Eat a light meal of fruits and milk before the full meal.
FAQ
Q.What is Tritiya Vrat?
Tritiya Vrat is observed on the 3rd tithi of both fortnights each month in devotion to Goddess Gauri, the benign, golden form of Parvati who represents marital bliss, purity, and divine feminine power. The third tithi is ruled by Gauri herself, makin...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Tritiya Vrat?
For regular monthly Tritiya Vrat, observe a phalahar fast — avoid grains, lentils, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Fruits, milk, curd, and sabudana are permitted. For Hartalika Teej, a strict nirjala fast (no food or water) is observed from sunrise of Tritiya until the fast is broken on the following Chaturthi morning after puja. Women who are pregnant or unwell may substitute with a phalahar fast on Hartalika.
Q.When should Tritiya Vrat be observed?
Twice every month — Shukla Paksha Tritiya and Krishna Paksha Tritiya. The most significant are: Hartalika Teej (Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya), Akshaya Tritiya (Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya), Gangaur (Chaitra Shukla Tritiya celebrated in Rajasthan), and Rambha Tritiya. Haritalika Teej and Akshaya Tritiya are considered among the most auspicious days of the entire Hindu year.
Q.What are the benefits of Tritiya Vrat?
Blesses married women with a loving, devoted husband and a harmonious marital life. Unmarried women who observe this vrat are believed to receive a suitable groom who matches the qualities of Lord Shiva. Protects the husband from untimely death and illness. Bestows beauty, grace, and the radiance of Gauri on the devotee. Removes obstacles in marriage, resolves marital conflicts, and brings peace to the household. Grants fertility and the joy of motherhood to those desiring children.