(8) In Jyeshtha, the fast is observed simply on three anjalis or palmfuls of pure water.
(9) In Ashādha, three chillies may be eaten.
(10) In Shrāvana, only cow-urine and molasses are tasted.
(11) In Bhādrapada, cow-dung and sugar are partaken of.
(12) In Āshvina, the application of chandan (sandal wood) either in the form of an ointment or of powder.
Only a few very pious and enthusiastic devotees observe all Sundays in the above manner. In average cases, the devotee allows himself rice, ghi, sugar, milk, i.e., white food, the restriction being only as to colour.[98]
People observing vows in honour of the sun take food only once during the day, and that too in bājas or dishes made of khākhara (or palāsh) leaves. This is considered one of the conditions of worship, there being some mysterious relation between Sūrya and the khākhara.[99]
If the Pushya Nakshatra happens to fall on a Sunday, the worship of the sun on that day is believed to be most efficacious in fulfilling the desires of the devotees.[100]
Of the days of the month, the seventh day of both the bright and the dark halves of each month[101] and the Amāvāsyā day, i.e., the last day of a Hindu calendar month,[102] are set apart for Sun-worship. The ceremonies of the worship are the same as those on Sundays. In fact, in almost all the observances in connection with the sun the same ceremonials are to be gone through. Very often a Brahman recites the pātha directing his hosts or hostesses to perform certain ceremonial gestures. On the last of the number of days which the devotee has decided to observe, the vrat is celebrated and Brahmans are feasted. This celebration of the vrat is known as vratujavavun.[103]
The special occasions for Sun-worship are the Sankrānti days and the solar eclipses.