Observing Ravivar Vrat, or Sunday fasting, is a common
practice in Hinduism, especially among devotees of Lord Surya (the Sun god).
Here's a general guideline on how to observe this fast:
Intention (Sankalp): Start by making a resolve or intention
to observe the fast. This can be done early in the morning before starting any
activities for the day.
Worship of Lord Surya: The primary deity of Ravivar Vrat is
Lord Surya. Devotees wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and offer
prayers to the Sun god. This can be done by reciting Surya mantras or prayers.
Fasting: Devotees abstain from consuming food and water for
the entire day. Some people also avoid consuming certain specific foods on this
day. The fast is typically broken after sunset by some. For majority of devotees the fasting is from Sunday morning sunrise to Monday morning sunrise.
Puja (worship): After offering prayers to Lord Surya in the
morning, devotees may perform a more elaborate puja in the evening. This may
involve offering water, flowers, fruits, and other traditional offerings to the
deity.
Meditation and chanting: Throughout the day, devotees may
engage in meditation, chanting of mantras, or reading sacred texts associated
with Lord Surya or other deities.
Charity: Giving to those in need is considered auspicious on
any fasting day. Devotees often donate food, clothes, or money to the poor and
needy.
Breaking the fast: The fast is usually broken after sunset or next day morning sunrise.
Traditionally, it's broken with water or with foods considered pure and sattvic
(pure) such as fruits, nuts, and milk.
Prayer and gratitude: Before concluding the day, devotees
offer prayers again, expressing gratitude for the blessings received and
seeking the continued grace and protection of Lord Surya.
Follow-up: Some devotees continue their observance of the
fast by keeping additional practices such as reciting specific mantras or
prayers for a certain number of days.
It's essential to remember that the purpose of fasting is
not just abstaining from food but also cultivating qualities like discipline,
self-control, and devotion. Each person may customize their observance of
Ravivar Vrat based on their beliefs and practices.