When is Rakher Upobash?+
In 2026, Rakher Upobash is observed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
What is Rakher Upobash?+
A vrat kept by Baba Lokenath Brahmachari's devotees: a fast all day on every Tuesday and Saturday of the last fifteen days of Kartik, then ghee lamps lit at sunset and a prayer for the people one loves. It is also called Kartik Brata, Gosair Upobash or Ghritaprodip Projjwalan.
Why is Rakher Upobash kept?+
To pray for the well-being of loved ones, for recovery from illness and for protection from harm. Devotees believe Baba Lokenath told them to fast in Kartik and light lamps and incense in the ashram courtyard, to be spared cholera and smallpox.
On which days is Rakher Upobash kept?+
On every Tuesday and Saturday of the last fifteen days of Kartik. In 2026 that is 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30 Kartik by the panjika (3, 7, 10, 14 and 17 November); the Barodi ashram gives the same five days.
How many lamps are lit?+
There is no fixed number. By custom, one ghee lamp is lit in the name of each person prayed for.
When is the fast broken?+
After the lamps are lit at sunset and the prayer is over, once the lamps have burnt down. At the Barodi ashram rice and banana are given as prasad then.
Where is it kept on the largest scale?+
At the Sri Sri Lokenath Brahmachari Ashram in Barodi, Sonargaon, Narayanganj. The Lokenath ashram at Swamibag in Dhaka holds a large gathering too, as do many Lokenath temples across the country.
What does "Rakher" mean?+
"Rakh" means protection; the word comes from the Sanskrit "raksha". The fast is a prayer to keep loved ones safe from illness and harm. The vrat is also known as Kartik Brata or Gosair Upobash.
