Ravi Pradosh Vrat observed on July 12, 2026 across India

Hindus in India marked the first Ravi Pradosh Vrat of July 2026 on Sunday, 12 July. The fast falls on the lunar tritiya (the 13th day) of the Ashadha month and is considered especially auspicious because it occurs on a Sunday, giving it the name “Ravi” (sun) Pradosh. Religious texts prescribe worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati during the evening “pradosh” period, roughly 19:20 to 21:30 IST, with additional favourable muhrats in the early morning and midday.

Traditional belief holds that observing the fast, reciting the Ravi Pradosh katha and performing Shiva rituals can remove ancestral curses, grant health, longevity and prosperity. The popular katha recounts a poor Brahmin family whose devout son is rescued from wrongful imprisonment after the king receives a divine warning from Shiva, leading the monarch to grant the family land and wealth. Articles across several outlets reported the dates, timings and the associated legend.