Sashti fasting in eastern parts of India is dedicated to Goddess Sashti a manifestation of Goddess Durga. It is observed on all Shukla Paksha Sashti or the sixth day during the waxing or light phase of moon; including the one during Durga Puja. In the month of Ashwin, Mother Parvati, with her children Ganesha and Kartik, once came to her father’s home—the abode of King Himavan.
Mother Menaka was overjoyed to see her grandsons. She
carried them lovingly from the bel grove into the house.
On that Shashti day, Mother Menaka, with devotion, bowed to
Goddess Durga in her form as Mother Shashthi and undertook a vow for the
well-being of her grandsons. She had been fasting since morning, waiting for
her daughter’s arrival. Remaining without food, she offered flowers, sacred
grass, incense, lamp, offerings of sun-dried rice, fruits, and sweets. With
devotion she performed the Shashti Vrat.
From that time onward, it is believed that those who, on Shashthi,
observe the mother’s vow and take her name with devotion enjoy prosperity and
happiness with their children.
On Shashti fasting for Goddess, it is customary for
devotees not to take cooked food. After completing the Shashthi puja, one
should end the fast with the sacred offerings of the ritual, and at night
consume fruits and other simple foods.
Interestingly in South India, Sashti fasting is dedicated to
Muruga or Kartik, the son of Goddess Parvati.