Third Mangala Gauri Fast Of Sawan Falls On August 18: Here's What Devotees Should And Shouldn't Do

The third Mangala Gauri fast of Sawan, dedicated to Goddess Parvati and observed for marital happiness, falls on 18 August 2026.

Every Tuesday that falls during the holy month of Sawan calls for observing the Mangala Gauri fast, a ritual dedicated to Goddess Gauri, better known as Parvati. Also referred to as the Morakat vrat, this year's third such fast of the season will be observed on 18 August 2026. Since every Tuesday of Sawan is considered spiritually significant, women who keep this fast tend to be particularly careful about following its rituals correctly, avoiding even small slip-ups along the way.

Why This Puja Holds Special Significance
According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati hold the month of Sawan especially dear, which is why scriptures describe Mondays in this period as ideal for worshipping Shiv ji, and Tuesdays for honouring Devi Gauri. It is widely believed that observing the Mangala Gauri fast keeps sweetness alive in married life, strengthens the marital bond, and blesses women with lasting good fortune for their husbands. That is precisely why married women across the country undertake this fast every year with full devotion and strict adherence to its rules.

Things To Avoid On Fasting Day
Anyone observing the Mangala Gauri fast is advised to keep a few things firmly in mind, or the benefit of the puja is said to remain incomplete.

• Losing one's temper or getting drawn into an argument is believed to break the fast, so both should be avoided.
• Disrespecting elders at home is also frowned upon, as it is said to rob the fast of its full spiritual merit.
• Harsh words or abuse directed at anyone should be avoided too, since maintaining sweetness in speech is considered important on this day.
• Black, dark blue or grey clothing should be kept away from, as these shades are viewed as inauspicious for worship.
• Married women are expected to complete their full traditional adornment, including sindoor and a bindi, before sitting down for the puja, since worship performed with incomplete adornment is not considered auspicious.

Foods To Keep Off The Plate
Strict dietary rules also apply on this fasting day, and following them is thought to be essential for the fast to count in full.

• Dishes made from wheat or rice are not permitted.
• Tamasic food should be avoided entirely.
• Ordinary white table salt should not be used in cooking that day.
• While preparing fasting food, turmeric and mustard oil should be skipped, with desi ghee or peanut oil used in their place instead.
• Onion and garlic should also stay out of the kitchen this day, since both are counted among tamasic ingredients as well.

What Can Be Eaten During The Fast
That naturally raises the question of what can actually be eaten on this day. Only satvik, or pure vegetarian, food should be consumed, since it is believed to keep both body and mind clean during the fast.

• Puris or parathas made from kuttu, or buckwheat flour, and singhara, or water chestnut flour, are permitted, along with dishes made from potato, bottle gourd and pumpkin.
• Rock salt, known as sendha namak, can be used in place of ordinary salt.
• Sabudana khichdi or kheer can also be prepared.
• Seasonal fruits such as apples, bananas and papaya can be included in the fasting meal, which also helps keep energy levels up through the day.

This information is based on religious beliefs and popular traditions, and carries no scientific backing.

What this means for you
For those observing the fast: Women keeping the Mangala Gauri vrat on 18 August will need to follow these dietary and dress-related rules to get the full benefit of the puja.

• Wheat and rice will need to be swapped for kuttu, singhara or sabudana-based dishes on fasting day.
• Black, dark blue or grey clothing should be avoided before the puja, and married women should complete their full traditional adornment.

Questions & Answers

1. When will the third Mangala Gauri fast be observed?
The third Mangala Gauri fast of Sawan will be observed on 18 August 2026.

2. Who is worshipped during the Mangala Gauri fast?
The fast involves worship of Goddess Gauri, also known as Parvati.

3. What is another name for the Mangala Gauri fast?
It is also known as the Morakat vrat.

4. What colours of clothing should be avoided on this fasting day?
Black, dark blue or grey clothing should be avoided, as these shades are considered inauspicious for worship.

5. What grains can be eaten during the fast?
Instead of wheat and rice, puris or parathas made from kuttu or singhara flour, and sabudana khichdi or kheer, can be eaten.

6. Which oil should be used while preparing fasting food?
Turmeric and mustard oil should be skipped, with desi ghee or peanut oil considered better options.

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