At the superficial level, Vrat means observing fast. But its deeper meaning is ‘a firm resolve’. In order to achieve anything in life, it is important to resolve firmly and have a burning desire. Having been blessed with the human form, there could be no other important and intense desire than to be one with God. Observance of vrat is one of the most important mediums because it helps in cleansing the body, brings about stability of mind and enhances the power of concentration. With stability of mind, the dirt of Tamoguna and Rajoguna is washed off and the fragrance of Satoguna is established.

From another point of view, ‘Vrat’ does not mean to remain hungry or to starve. Mind easily gets attracted to sense objects and we generally have a tendency to keep eating some thing or the other and keep satisfying our taste buds. Observance of ‘Vrat’ really means to exercise restraint on our eating habits and not to allow the mind to get distracted, instead concentrate on performing Satoguni karmas and try to be in tune with the Lord. Vrat not only means exercising restraint on eating habits, but also exercise restraint on speech, behavior and conduct in dealing with fellow beings. When you are exercising restraint on these elements, then you are, in a way, developing a sense of sacrifice to some of the urges that crop up from the sensuous objects and desires from time to time. This fosters a good human behavior and relationship and creates an atmosphere of peace, love and compassion. The observance of Vrat induces to develop stability of mind, adopt a good attitude towards life and inculcate good value system. However, depending upon the occupation of a person or the routine functions he is called upon to perform, he may take light things like water, juice, tea, coffee, fruits etc. to maintain his energy level during the day and break the fast after sun set having simple one cereal food with vegetables.

Observing ‘nirjala upvaas’ thoughout the day has a scientific and medical validity also. In addition to giving rest to the organs of digestive system, it generates tremendous amount of heat in the body which is capable of eradicating many ailments and ensures maintenance of good health.

A synonymous word for vrat is upvaas. It is a combination of two words – Up + Vaas. Up means ‘near’ and Vass means ‘to reside, to live’ – Atmatatva to live near Paramtatva. Vrat does not merely mean to observe fast or to remain hungry. Upvaas really means to practice relinquishing attachment to the material world and have a firm resolve to attain self-realization / God realization. Vrat, in a larger dimension, calls for an overall discipline – to exercise restraint on food, life style, on your behaviour, attitude, speech, thinking process and intensely concentrating on God because, in reality, you are truly a part of Him and to be one with Him is an eternal quest of every soul.