Wake up early and bathe before sunrise
Clean the पूजा/puja area and set up Lord Shiva’s image or Shivling
Wear clean, preferably white or simple clothes
Take a sankalp to observe the fast with devotion
Avoid grains, pulses, meat, alcohol, and tobacco
Follow the type of fast you choose: nirjala, phalahar, or one-meal fast
Drink water only if your fast allows it
Eat fruits, milk, curd, coconut water, nuts, and fasting-friendly foods if permitted
Offer water, milk, bilva leaves, flowers, and incense to Lord Shiva
Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and other Shiva mantras
Read or listen to Shiva stories, stotras, or scriptures
Stay awake at night and do bhajan, meditation, or prayer if possible
Avoid anger, gossip, and negative thoughts
Break the fast the next day after sunrise or as per tradition
Eat light, simple food when ending the fast
Follow family or local customs if they differ from your routine