Jaya Parvati Vrat

Jaya Parvati Vrat is a strongly Gujarati five-day vrat centred on Parvati and Shiva, traditionally observed especially by unmarried girls and also by married women in some families. A common vrat-katha tells of a devout Brahmin couple who longed for a child. They were guided to worship a neglected Shiva Linga in a forest. While gathering flowers for worship, the husband was bitten by a snake and collapsed. His wife prayed intensely to Shiva and Parvati and continued her devotion instead of surrendering to despair. Her steadfast faith is said to have restored her husband's life, and the divine couple blessed the household. The story became associated with a vrat for auspicious married life, a worthy spouse and family well-being. During the observance, girls traditionally avoid salt and selected foods, worship Parvati, maintain a simple disciplined diet and conclude with ritual celebration. In Gujarat, Jaya Parvati is closely related to the wider Gauri Vrat tradition of Ashadha.

Jaya Parvati Vrat is valued for devotion, family tradition and the spiritual or seasonal meaning attached to the day.

Salt is given up, and so is any vegetable that grows on a vine. Javara - wheat sprouted in a small pot - is grown for the five days and taken to water at the end. The last night is spent singing, and the fast is broken the next morning.