Vrata is a Sanskrit word that means "vow, resolve, devotion",[1] and refers to pious observances such as fasting and pilgrimage (Tirtha) found in Indian religions such as Hinduism and Jainism.
[4][5][6] Vrata (Sanskrit: व्रत) means "vow, resolve, devotion",[1] and refers to the practice of austerity, particularly in matters related to foods and drinks by people in Hindu and Jaina culture, as part of a pious observance or prayers seeking health, fertility, long life or happiness for her loved ones.
[4][7] Derived from the root ‘vr’ ("will, rule, restrain, conduct, choose, select"), the word is found over 200 times in the Rigveda.
[7][12][2] The Upanishads conceptualize Vrata as an ethical and behavioral process of discipline: one where food is respected, the needy helped, the stranger welcomed, and the student carries on the pursuit of knowledge.
[13] The Yoga Sutras (verse II.31) mentions the word vrata, where Patanjali highlights that the five yamas form a mahavrata (a great vow).
In this verse, Patanjali states that yamas (vrata or mahavrata) is universal and applies to all practicing yogis, regardless of class, location, time, or specific situation.
[13][18][19] Sociologists who have interviewed women who observe vrata report that the practice is explained (according to Anne Pearson) as something that gives "peace of mind", that the woman making one has made an effort to the best of her abilities and out of her duty towards those important to her.
[22] Some vratas are for religious (dharma)[18] or soteriological goals (moksha), some are for nonreligious reasons, some are celebrations of one's cultural tradition, and others are a form of quid pro quo sacrifice to get or to give divine help to someone.
[24] Many prāyaścitta vratas in these texts suggest it should include the feeding of "Brahmins, blind, poor and helpless", as well as other acts of charity.
[29][13][35] In Nepal, for example, Hindus visit the Pashupatinatha temple, families light lamps on the Balacaturdasi night and then set them afloat in the Bagamati river next morning, followed by strewing of grains for birds.
Unlike normal (common) vratas in which the consumption of fruits, juices, milk, water and sugar are allowed, the 'vrati' doesn't eat or drink anything at all, with the intent to purify their body.
[42] Vrata is viewed as a form of austerity, with the power to remove karma from jiva (soul) and gain punya (merit).