Fasts Of The Hindus Around The Year: Background Stories, Ways Of Performance & Their Importance

The Hindu calendar is divided into twelve months i.e. Chaitra, Vaishakha etc. Each month is divided into two fortnights i.e. Shukla Paksha (bright half) and Krishna Paksha (dark half or the waning moon). Some of the days of these months have special importance. People observe fast on these days. Fairs are also organised on such occasions. Here are some stories connected with these holy days. Some special information has also been given at the beginning of each story.