The Monday fast, also called Somvar Vrat, is a simple fast observed to worship Lord Shiva. On this day, people observe a partial or complete fast, offer water and milk to the Shivling, chant "Om Namah Shivaya," and break their fast in the evening after performing puja with a sattvic (pure and wholesome) meal.

Monday fast, also known as Somvar Vrat, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The word Somvar comes from Som, which means the Moon in Sanskrit, and Lord Shiva is called Someshwar because he wears the crescent Moon on his matted hair. Devotees keep this fast to please Lord Shiva and to seek blessings for peace, health and a happy family life.​

A very special form of this fast is kept on Somvati Amavasya – when Amavasya (New Moon) falls on a Monday. The first Monday after the New Moon is also considered very auspicious for Shiva worship.

Monday Fast in Different Regions

Monday fast is observed in slightly different ways across India:

• In many North Indian states, as well as Maharashtra and Gujarat, Shravan month (July–August) Mondays are considered very sacred for Lord Shiva.​
• In South Indian states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Kartik month Mondays are considered highly auspicious.
• In Tamil Nadu, Mondays in the month of Kartigai (November–December) are celebrated as Kartigai Somavaram.​

Many devotees also connect with astro chat / online astrologers to know the most suitable Somvar dates according to their personal horoscope.

Since Monday is also connected with the Moon, many people who have strong Moon‑related placements or Gandmool / Mool Nakshatra in their chart use Somvar Vrat as a way to balance emotions and gain stability. If you were born in Mool Nakshatra and want to understand its effect on your life, you can read our detailed article on it.

Monday Fast Rituals

The Monday fast usually starts at sunrise. People who observe this vrat generally follow these simple steps:

• Wake up early, take a bath and wear clean, preferably white or light‑coloured clothes.
• Sit in a clean place, remember Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and take a simple sankalp to keep the fast.
• Offer water and a holy bath to the Shiva linga or Shiva idol.
• Perform puja to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with faith.

If someone is unsure about the correct rituals, they often talk to an astrologer online to understand the right procedure and remedies for their situation.​

On this day devotees also:

• Offer vibhuti (bhasma), bel (bilva) leaves, and white flowers to Lord Shiva.
• Keep some special food as naivedya (offering) and later distribute it as prasad.

What Can We Eat on Monday Fast?

During Monday fast, many devotees keep a simple diet:

• They chant “Om Namah Shivaya” throughout the day and read the Somvar Vrat Katha in the evening.​
• Some people remain on only water or fruits, or eat just once in the afternoon.

Others keep a partial fast and eat vrat food like:

• Sabudana khichdi or kheer
• Fruits and dry fruits
• Milk, curd, makhana, vrat flour items

Generally people avoid:

• Onion and garlic
• Non‑vegetarian food
• Alcohol and very heavy or spicy dishes

Devotees who want to follow Monday fast according to their horoscope often first check their free online Kundli and then decide the level of fasting and timing.

How is the Monday Fast Completed?

Most devotees:

• Continue the fast till the next morning or till the evening puja is done.
• After the final prayer, they distribute prasad among family members and other devotees.
• Many people visit a Shiva temple in the morning and evening on every Monday; if this is not possible, they do the full puja at home with the same faith.​

Benefits of Monday Fast

Everyone can receive spiritual and mental benefits from Monday fast, but some specific intentions are very common:

• Unmarried girls keep Somvar vrat to pray for a good and understanding life partner.​
• Married couples observe this fast together and pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for a peaceful and happy married life.
• It is believed that one who sincerely follows this vrat receives blessings of worldly comforts along with inner peace.
• This fast is also said to bring harmony at home, reduce conflicts and keep the atmosphere calm and positive.

Some people also keep Monday fast to calm strong planetary energies in their chart, especially when Angarak Yog (Mars–Rahu) or emotional stress is present. You can read more about it in our detailed guide on Angarak Yog in astrology

                          FAQs

Q1. Can I drink water during Monday fast?
Yes. Most people drink water, and many also take milk, juice or fruits depending on their health.​

Q2. Can men also observe Somvar vrat?
Yes, absolutely. Somvar vrat is for anyone who has faith in Lord Shiva, not only for women.​

Q3. Is Monday fast good for marriage?
Yes. Many people keep Somvar vrat to remove problems in marriage, to get a good life partner and for overall harmony in family life.​

Q4. Can I eat at night after fast?
Yes. Generally people do puja in the evening and then open the fast with light, sattvic food.

Q5. Do I have to do 16 Mondays only?
No. 16 Mondays is a popular way, but you can keep fewer or more Mondays depending on your health, faith and guidance.​