Budhvar Vrat: How to observe the Wednesday fast for Ganesh
Quick answer: The Wednesday fast is observed for the grace of Lord Ganesh and the planet Mercury (Budh). Green colour is significant on this day. After a morning bath, offer durva (sacred grass), modak and green flowers to Ganesh. Eat once — green foods like moong dal and green vegetables. Listen to the Wednesday katha and do Ganesh aarti.
At a glance
- Deity
- Lord Ganesh, Planet Mercury
- Day
- Every Wednesday
- Auspicious colour
- Green
- Offering
- Durva grass, modak, green flowers
- Food
- Moong dal, green vegetables, fruit
How to observe the Wednesday fast
- Wake early and bathe.
- Wear green clothes.
- Light a lamp before Ganesh's image and offer durva grass.
- Offer modak or besan laddoo.
- Do Ganesh aarti and read the Wednesday katha.
- Eat once during the day — moong dal, green vegetables.
- Do aarti again in the evening.
What to do
- Use green colour — clothes, flowers, donations.
- Donate moong lentils or green items.
- Chant 'Om Gam Ganapataye Namah' 108 times.
- Feed someone in need.
Mercury and the significance of Wednesday
Mercury governs intelligence, speech, business and communication. Worshipping on Wednesday is said to bring benefits in these areas.
Lord Ganesh is the deity of wisdom and discernment, so worshipping him on Wednesday is especially auspicious.
As a Mercury remedy, wearing green on Wednesday, donating moong lentils and wearing emerald are considered auspicious. These are traditional beliefs.
Frequently asked questions
Who should observe the Wednesday fast?
Students, traders, lawyers and those seeking improvement in intelligence, speech or communication — the Wednesday fast is considered especially beneficial for them.
What should be donated on Wednesday?
By tradition, moong lentils, green clothes, emerald (or green stone) and bronze utensils are donated on Wednesday.
Why is Ganesh associated with Wednesday?
By tradition, both Mercury and Ganesh are associated with wisdom, cleverness and removing obstacles, which is why Ganesh puja has special significance on Wednesday.