Som
Pradosh

Pradosh Day falls on Trayodashi Tithi, the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha.

If the Pradosh falls on Monday (Somvar), then it is known as Som Pradosh Vrat. It is also known as Somvar pradosh.

In this article, we will understand the significance, rituals and benefits of observing the Som Pradosh Vrat in the Margashirsha Month (Shukla Paksha).

When is Som Pradosh Vrat 2026?

Som Pradosh Vrat is observed multiple times during a year. In this article we will be covering the date and timings of the Som Pradosh Vrat which falls in the Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month (August).

Date: Monday, December 21, 2026

Pradosh Puja Muhurat Timings: 05:36 PM to 08:13 PM, December 21, 2026

Duration: 02 Hours 37 Mins

Trayodashi Tithi Begins - 05:36 PM on December 21, 2026

Trayodashi Tithi Ends - 02:23 PM on December 22, 2026

Day Pradosha Time - 05:36 PM to 08:13 PM, December 21, 2026

Significance of Som Pradosh

The significance of Som Pradosh Vrat 2026 lies in its unique association with Lord Shiva. Monday is considered a highly auspicious day to worship Lord Shiva. Som Pradosh Vrat is considered especially auspicious for seeking blessings related to health, vitality, confidence, and success. Devotees observe the vrat to overcome obstacles and strengthen their spiritual connection with the divine.

Observing Soma Pradosh Vrat regularly reduces the adverse effect Chandra (Moon) in the kundali.

According to Hindu tradition, the Pradosh Kaal is the sacred period when Lord Shiva blesses those who worship Him with sincerity and devotion.

Som Pradosh Vrat Puja Vidhi

• Early Morning: Wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
• Altar setup: Setup an table with the idols of Lord Shiva and Suryadev
• Offer flowers, light incense sticks (Agarbatti or Dhoop)
• Light a diya with sesame oil (Til ka Tel) or desi ghee
• Offer bhog (sweets)
• Chant Lord Shiva Mantra - "Om Namah Shivaay" and Suryanarayan Mantra. Chant at least 108 times
• Go to the temple and perform pooja and abhishekam to the shivaling
• Recite the Mahamrityunjay Mantra and Om Namah Shivaye jaap 108 times
• Observe the pradosh fast
• Break the fast at night and eat a simple satvik meal after offering bhog to Lord Shiva and Suryadev

Som Pradosh Fasting Rules

• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Pradosh.
• The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
• Sleeping during the day is not allowed on Pradosh

What not to eat on Som Pradosh

During Som Pradosh fast, devotees typically cease from consuming grains, lentils, certain vegetables, and specific spices. Here are some food items that are usually avoided during this fast:

• Wheat, rice, barley, corn, millet, etc. are avoided as they are grains.
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc. are avoided due to their grain-like properties.
• Onion and Garlic - These are believed to increase urges and therefore are generally avoided during Pradosh fasting.
• Brinjals and Mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Pradosh fasting.
• Some people avoid “hing” as it is believed to disturb the purity of the mind during fasting.
• All forms of meat, fish, and eggs are avoided during the fast.
• Consumption of alcohol and stimulants like caffeine is prohibited during Pradosh fasting.
• Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and vinegar are often avoided.
• Packaged and processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors are generally avoided as they are considered impure.

What to eat on Som Pradosh Fast?

This is usually the first thing beginners search for. And the answer depends on how strictly someone keeps the vrat.

Some devotees observe Nirjala fasting without water. Others keep a partial fast and eat once. Many people stay on fruits and milk through the day.

Common foods during Som Pradosh fasting include:

• sabudana
• potatoes
• makhana
• fruits
• milk
• dry fruits
• sweet potatoes

Simple food is preferred. Heavy meals usually defeat the purpose of fasting anyway.

Benefits of observing Som Pradosh Vrat

Here are the benefits of observing the Soma Pradosh Vrat:

• Peace and happiness in life
• overcoming problems in marital life and bring love and sweetness among the couples
• wealth and prosperity
• Removal of any adversities (Doshas) of Chandra (Moon)