Question 1

When is Shalihotra Vrata Arambha observed?

Accepted Answer

Shalihotra Vrata Arambha falls on Chaitra Shukla Panchami, the fifth tithi of the waxing fortnight in the lunar month of Chaitra. The day is governed by the tithi current at sunrise, and its Gregorian date changes each year.

Question 2

What should be eaten during Shalihotra Vrata?

Accepted Answer

The available tradition record does not establish a confirmed fasting rule for Shalihotra Vrata Arambha. It should not automatically be treated as a waterless fast, fruit fast, or one-meal fast; the family, teacher, or source prescribing the vow should determine the rule.

Question 3

When does the Shalihotra Vrata fast begin and end?

Accepted Answer

The vow begins on the calendar day whose sunrise has Chaitra Shukla Panchami. No separate breaking or parana time is established here, so the end of the fast must follow the prescription of the tradition that defines the vrata.

Question 4

What is offered for Shalihotra Vrata Arambha?

Accepted Answer

No offering can be identified with confidence from the name and timing alone. A simple devotional offering may be customary in a household, but flowers, food, water, lamps, and mantras should not be presented as Shalihotra-specific without a verified source.

Date	Tithi	Lunar month	Governing time
Sat, 13 Apr, 2024	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 2 Apr, 2025	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Mon, 23 Mar, 2026	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sun, 11 Apr, 2027	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Fri, 31 Mar, 2028	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Thu, 19 Apr, 2029	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Mon, 8 Apr, 2030	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Fri, 28 Mar, 2031	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 14 Apr, 2032	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)

Shalihotra Vrata Arambha

Dates by year