What is the Difference between Vrat and Upvaas?

Vrat and Upvaas are important parts of Hindu tradition. Know the differences between Upvaas and Vrat in detail.

In sanskrit, Upvaas comprises two words “Up” and “Vaas” which refers to near and to reside meaning to keep your complete concentration in Divine. The word Vrat also serves the same purpose. However, there is a significant difference in both terms.

What is Upvaas?

Upvaas is the fast that is kept for 24 hours. In this, devotees do not eat or drink water for the whole day and break it only on the following day of the fast. This kind of fast is also known as “Nirjala” Upvaas.

For instance, Ekadashi Upvaas involves fasting with no food and water intake. This fast is called “Ekadashi Nirjala Upvaas”. Devotees break fasting on the following day of Dwadeshi (12th day of fortnight).

What is Vrat?

Vrat is the fast in which devotees eat light and pure food for the whole day. It is kept for a longer period of time. As per Hindu scriptures, devotees should only take fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, milk, juices etc as meals In the vrat. They should forbid intake of non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion, garlic, grains etc.

For instance, Navratri Vrat. In this Vrat, devotees observe vrat for the eight or nine days. They eat meals once in a day and worship Goddess Durga. Observing Vrat on Navratri allows people to continue fasting for such a long period of time. They could do their work and also concentrate on the religious and spiritual rituals.

Differences between Vrat and Upvaas

• Vrat involves fasting of food only whereas Upvaas involves fasting and keeping vows such as vow to abstain from speech or vow to abstain from worldly pleasure.
• Vrat and Upvaas both serve the same purpose, However, Upvaas is about self control.
• Hindu faith forbids drinking water in Upvaas while Vrat forbids only intake of grains, non-vegetarian food, rice and alcohol.
• Vrat can be kept by the people easily while Upvaas is tough and hard to observe.

Vrat and Upvaas both detoxify the body, thus improving digestion and health. By observing it, you may enhance your spiritual power and also increase your intuitive abilities.