How to keep the Tuesday vrat: Hanuman puja, offerings, food and udyapan
Quick answer: The Tuesday vrat is kept in devotion to Hanuman ji. Devotees bathe in the morning, wear red, offer Hanuman ji red flowers, sindoor, jasmine oil and a bhog of boondi, jaggery and chana or laddoos, and read the Hanuman Chalisa or Sundarkand. One simple meal is eaten during the day, by many without salt. Commonly the vrat is kept for 21 Tuesdays and then closed with an udyapan.
At a glance
- Deity
- Hanuman ji
- Colour
- Red or saffron
- Offering
- Boondi, besan laddoos, jaggery and chana
- Length
- Usually 21 Tuesdays (some keep 45)
How to keep the Tuesday vrat
- Start on the first Tuesday of a bright fortnight; bathe, wear red and take a sankalp for how many Tuesdays you will keep.
- Light a ghee or jasmine oil lamp before a picture or idol of Hanuman ji.
- Offer red flowers, sindoor, akshat and the bhog (boondi, laddoos or jaggery and chana). Remember Shri Ram and Sita first.
- Read the Hanuman Chalisa, Bajrang Baan or Sundarkand, and the Mangalvar vrat katha.
- In the evening, light a lamp again and do the aarti.
- Eat one simple meal in the day and share the prasad.
The udyapan (closing rite)
When the promised Tuesdays are complete, the udyapan is done on the next Tuesday: Hanuman puja, a havan or Sundarkand reading, and food and gifts for 21 people (or as many as you can) or for those in need. Ask your family priest for the method.
Do
- Keep celibacy and self-restraint on the day of the vrat.
- Visit a Hanuman temple if you can.
- Make the bhog cleanly at home or buy pure sweets.
Don't
- No meat, eggs, alcohol, onion, garlic or intoxicants.
- Many devotees avoid salt on this day; follow your family's rule.
- Avoid anger, harsh words and insulting anyone.
- Some temples have their own rules about offering the sindoor chola or touching the idol; follow the priest there.
Tuesday vrat rules differ by family and region. Follow your tradition. KathaMantra does not promise any specific or astrological result.
Frequently asked questions
How many Tuesday fasts should be kept?
Usually 21 Tuesdays; some keep 45. Many devotees simply keep every Tuesday without a set number.
What can be eaten on the Tuesday vrat?
One simple meal in the day, such as wheat roti, jaggery, chana or something sweet; many people eat it without salt.
Can women keep the Tuesday vrat?
Yes, many women keep this vrat and read the Hanuman Chalisa. Respect individual temples' rules.
Which offering is dear to Hanuman ji?
Traditionally boondi, besan laddoos, jaggery with chana, and bananas are offered.