Rohini Vrat Dates, Significance and Rituals

By: Manmeet Kaur Tura

Rohini Vrat is one of the most significant fasting days in Jain community. It is a fast that is of great importance for the married Jain women. Rohini Vrat is observed by women for the long and healthy life of their husband. Rohini is one of the Nakshatra (constellations)  out of twenty-seven Nakshatra (constellations) in Jain and Hindu calendar.

Rohini fasting is observed on the day when Rohini Nakshatra prevails in the sky after sunrise. It is also a strong belief that those who observe Rohini fasting can get away from all types of sorrows and poverty. The Parana of Rohini constellation is completed during Margashirsha Nakshatra when Rohini Nakshatra ends.

There are in total twelve Rohini fasting days in a year. It is customary to observe Rohini Vrat for three, five or seven years continuously. The suitable duration of Rohini fasting is five years and five months. Rohini fasting should be finished with Udyapana.

2018 Rohini Vrat Dates

• 27th January (Saturday) – Rohini Vrat
• 24th February (Saturday) – Rohini Vrat
• 23rd March (Friday) – Rohini Vrat
• 19th April (Thursday) – Rohini Vrat
• 17th May (Thursday) – Rohini Vrat
• 13th June (Wednesday) – Rohini Vrat
• 10th July (Tuesday) – Rohini Vrat
• 7th August (Tuesday) – Rohini Vrat
• 3rd September (Monday) – Rohini Vrat
• 30th September (Sunday) – Rohini Vrat
• 28th October (Sunday) – Rohini Vrat
• 24th November (Saturday) – Rohini Vrat
• 21st December (Friday) – Rohini Vrat

Rituals performed during Rohini Vrat

While fasting for Rohini vrat, the women take bath early in the morning and place an  idol or picture of Vasupujya, on the altar. Vasupujya is one of the twenty four Tirthankaras of Jainism. After the puja, the fasting begins and continues for the whole day till the beginning of the next Nakshatra.

Benefits of Rohini vrat

• The women in the Jain religion cannot observe strict practices, therefore,  this form of vrat helps them observe some simpler kind of spiritual sadhana.
• The vrat is believed to bestow long life and health for the husband and family.
• This vrat can also advance harmony and peace in families and improve the bond between husband and wife.

Jainism believes in a very strict ascetic life of complete abandonment for those who give up worldly pleasures and entrust themselves to spiritual life. For those in the regular household life, strict practices are not a mandate. They can live a normal life while following the commandments of Jainism without giving themselves away to overindulgence. Amidst this culture, Rohini Vrat is approved for the women in the Jain community as a spiritual practice.