Pradosh Vrat

Pradosh Vrat is a Shiva fast observed on Trayodashi (13th tithi) of both lunar fortnights — twice per month. The name comes from Pradosh Kaal (twilight window ~1.5 hours before and after sunset) when Shiva is believed to dance the Tandava on Mount Kailash. Each weekday-Pradosh has its own name: Som (Monday) for wealth, Bhaum (Tuesday) for debts, Shani (Saturday) for freedom from suffering. The Shani Pradosh is considered particularly powerful for those in Sade Sati.

📅 Upcoming dates

Thursday, 8 October 2026
Friday, 23 October 2026
Friday, 6 November 2026
Sunday, 22 November 2026
Sunday, 6 December 2026
Monday, 21 December 2026
Monday, 4 January 2027
Wednesday, 20 January 2027
Wednesday, 3 February 2027
Thursday, 18 February 2027
Friday, 5 March 2027
Saturday, 20 March 2027

Dates are worked out from the panchang for New Delhi (IST). A tithi ends at a different hour elsewhere, so in some years the day differs by one.

🔔 Puja Vidhi

Fast completely from sunrise; break at 8-9pm after Pradosh Kaal puja
Bathe again in evening before Pradosh Kaal (~1.5 hrs before sunset)
Perform Shiva abhishekam with milk, curd, honey, ghee and Ganga jal
Offer bilva leaves, dhatura, white flowers, chanting Om Namah Shivaya
Read Pradosh Vrat Katha and Shiva Chalisa
Break fast with prasad after evening puja

📜 Rules

The 1.5-hour window around sunset is the only time puja MUST be performed
Ashtami and Chaturdashi following Trayodashi extend the vrat merit
Bilva leaves offered without any prior contact with saliva

Related reading in the Devotional Library

📖 Somvar (Monday) Vrat Katha

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shani Pradosh?

Shani Pradosh = Pradosh Vrat falling on a Saturday. Considered the most powerful weekday-Pradosh for those undergoing Sade Sati or Saturn afflictions.

Can I do Pradosh Vrat while unwell?

Yes, as a phalahari (fruit) fast. The evening puja is the essential part; strict fasting is secondary if health is at stake.