‘A lavana’ means without salt. There are many devotees who
break a fasting in Hinduism without adding salt to the food. There is a
specific Alavana Vrata which is performed on the third day during the waxing
phase of moon in Vaishaka month (April – May); Bhadrapad (August – September)
and Magh (January – February). A devotee undertaking the vrat observe complete
fasting on the previous day and break the fast on the next day by consuming
food with no salt.
As the no salt food is consumed on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya
or the third day during the waxing phase of moon, the vrat is also known as
Alavana Tritiya.
Goddess Gauri is worshipped on the Alavana Vrata day.
The vrat is performed for attaining peace and prosperity.
It is must be noted here that in many regions it is
compulsory that a person undertaking fasting should not take salt. This rule is
applicable to most fasting associated with Hinduism.