Nanda Saptami Vrat is observed on Shukla Paksha Saptami in Phalguna Month. In 2015, Nanda Saptami Vrata date is February 27.
This Phalguna Nanda Saptami Vrata is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Bhagavan Shiva is worshipped with Shodashopachara Puja.
There is another Nanda Saptami Vrata in Margashirsha Month which is dedicated to Surya Bhagavan.
Nanda Saptami Vrata in Margashirsha Month
Nanda Saptami Vrat is observed on the seventh day of Shukla Paksha in Margashirsha Month. In 2015, Nanda Saptami date is December 18.
Nanda Saptami vrat is dedicated to Surya Bhagavan. It is performed for one year in 3 stages – each stage of 4 months. This Vrat lasts for one year from Margashirsha Shukla Saptami on one year to same day in next year.
Various flowers, Naivedya (special food recipes), Dhoop or stotras, are offered to Surya Bhagavan during three phases of Nanda Saptami Vrata.
Ekabhukta on Panchami day (one time meal a day), Nakta on Sashti day (one time light food) and Upvaas (fasting) on Saptami are the main rituals associated with Nanda Saptami Vrata.
Nanda Saptami is also observed as Mitra Saptami, Vishnu Saptami, Nimba Saptami, Bhadraa Saptami, etc..