Often the word Upvaas is used synonymously with fasting. Religious vows are observed with an aim to achieve a particular goal having specific procedure observed along with certain resolutions taken. Fasting is not in the real sense strict rule for observing a religious vow. The rules for religious vows and fasting are separate. One does not see different types of fasting. But one can see different demarcated methods of religious vows. A religious vow is basically practised for emotional, intellectual, spiritual and financial aspect of life. Fasting is basically, more extrovert on the other hand a religious vow is more introvert. This is the main difference between a vow and fasting.

1. MAUNI AMAVASYA:-

   Amavasya in the month of Magha is known as Mauni Amavasya. According to procedures one should not talk to anyone and remain mute and have a bath in the Ganga. Incidentally if Mauni Amavasya occurs on a Monday it is of special significance. During this month (Magha) many men and women build small huts near the (Prayag) Triveni Sangam and bath regularly in the Triveni. This vow is observed throughout the month. Whilst observing this vow one should sleep on straw mattresses, avoid application of oil to the body, should not decorate oneself and maintain restraint of all type. Bathing in the Triveni Sangam and Kalpavaas during this month (Magha) is of special importance.

2. SHEETALA SHASHTI :-

   To beget a child this vow is observed on the sixth day of the Shukla Paksha of the Magha month. After daily ablutions, Sheetla Devi is worshipped in 16 steps known as Shodhashopchar. Cold eatables are offered to the Goddess and stale food is eaten after this. After food religious rites are performed to appease the Goddess.
   
   The story goes this way- A Brahmin woman had seven male children. On worship of Sheetla Devi all of them got male children. One day this woman forgot to observe this vow and the bathed by hot water. Then she ate hot food. As a result her seven children and husband instantly died. Seeing this she turned frantic and loosing control over her senses, She ran towards the forest. There she saw an old lady in flames. This lady ordered this Brahmin woman to get her some curd. Because of the curd Sheetla Devi (old woman's) fire was extinguished and was complacent. According to Sheetla Devi orders that Brahman woman came home and applied that curd to her husband and her seven children. As a result all of them were rejuvenated.

3. ACHALA SAPTAMI:-

   On the seventh day of Shukla Paksha of the Magha month Achala Saptami this vow is observed. This is also known as Saur Saptami.

4. BHEEMASTHAMI:-

   The eighth day of the Shukla Paksha of the Magha month is known as Bheemashtami. It was this day when Bheesma Pitamah expired. That person who alike Bheeshma Pitamah sacrifices sesamum and performs rites to pacify ancestral souls is blessed with fortunate progeny/child It is mentioned in the Padma Puran that a boy whose father is alive should also observe Bheeshma Tarpan (Gratification).

5. MAHASHIVRATRI:-

   On the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha of the Phalgun month Mahashivratri vow is observed on this day observer of this vow, men and women worship Lord Shiva with Bilva leaves, Dhatura, flowers, rice, water, milk and Panchamrut (milk, curd, ghee, sugar honey). Staying awake through the night, Lord Shiva is worshipped. The next day in the morning religious sacrifice (Yagya) is performed with barley, sesamum, porridge, Bilva leaves and this way the vow is accomplished.

6. ARUNDHATI VATRA:-

   Arundhati was the wife of Maharishi Vashishta and daughter of Prajapati Kardam.Thus because of the Saptarshis and Arundhati being the wife of Vashishta,this Vrata has became in existence. This vow is observed for good fortune of the woman (long life for her husband) and also said to destroy the problem of child widowhood. This begins on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (1st day) and ends of the third day (Tritiya). On the Pratipada day after having a bath in the river or at home a resolution is taken. On the next (second) day a water pot is placed on paddy and gold idols of Arundhati, Vashishta and Dhruva are placed. After worshipping Ganeshji, the 3 idols are worshipped on the last and 3rd day. Shiv-Parvati is worshipped and the vow is accomplished. The gold idols are finally donated to a Brahmin.