Every year, days before the Sawan season begins, women and unmarried girls across India start observing Gauri Vrat, a five day fast dedicated to Goddess Gauri, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Devotees believe that keeping this vrat with devotion helps unmarried girls find a suitable life partner and blesses married women with a happy, prosperous marital life. Here is when the fast begins and ends in 2026, along with the auspicious timings for worship.
Why This Vrat Holds Special Meaning
Gauri Vrat begins on the Ekadashi tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Ashadha month. This same date is known as Devshayani Ekadashi, the day Lord Vishnu is believed to enter a period of divine sleep called yoganidra, marking the start of Chaturmas. According to belief, unmarried girls who observe this five day fast with proper rituals are blessed with a worthy husband, while married women perform the puja seeking a long life for their husbands and peace and happiness at home.
When Does Gauri Vrat Start In 2026?
This fast is also known by another name, Morkat Vrat. As per the Vedic calendar, the Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi tithi begins at 9:12 am on July 24, 2026, and lasts until 11:34 am on July 25. Since Hindu festivals are typically observed according to the sunrise date, or Udaya Tithi, Gauri Vrat will officially begin on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Auspicious Timings On The First Day
Several favourable muhurats fall on the opening day of the fast, considered ideal for worship.
- Brahma Muhurat lasts from 4:16 am to 4:57 am.
- Abhijit Muhurat falls between 12:00 pm and 12:55 pm.
- The Shubh-Uttam Muhurat runs from 7:21 am to 9:03 am.
- During Pradosh Kaal in the evening, the Labh-Unnati Muhurat between 7:17 pm and 8:34 pm is considered favourable for puja.
How The Five Days Of Worship Are Observed
The fast continues without a break for five consecutive days. Throughout this period, women and young girls observing the vrat shape small idols of Goddess Gauri, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha out of pure clay and worship them with an aarti every morning and evening. In several regions, devotees also keep an overnight vigil, singing devotional songs in honour of Goddess Gauri. The rituals conclude on the fifth day.
When Will The Fast Conclude, And When Is Parana?
After five days of worshipping Goddess Gauri, devotees break their fast, known as parana, on Guru Purnima in the Ashadha month. This year, the five day Gauri Vrat will conclude on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, coinciding with Ashadha Purnima. The Purnima tithi begins at 6:18 pm on July 28 and continues until 8:05 pm on July 29, which means the parana will be performed on July 29 itself, in line with the Udaya Tithi.
Key Dates At A Glance
To sum up, Gauri Vrat 2026 starts on Saturday, July 25, and concludes with parana on Wednesday, July 29, the day of Ashadha Purnima. Women and girls planning to observe this fast can keep the muhurat timings listed above in mind while performing the puja.
