Introduction: The Santoshi Mata Vrat is observed on 16 consecutive Fridays. It is widely performed by women for the well-being of their husbands and family harmony. The most important rule is to avoid eating or touching anything sour (like lemon or tamarind) on this day.

The Story (Vrat Katha) There was an old woman who had seven sons. While the six elder sons were hardworking, the youngest son was unemployed and innocent. The old woman fed the elder sons delicious food, but gave the youngest son their leftovers.

One day, the youngest son realised this partiality and left home to seek his fortune. He worked hard in a distant land and became very wealthy. Meanwhile, his wife was left behind and treated very badly by her in-laws. She was made to cut wood and given only bread and water.

One Friday, the wife saw some women worshipping a Goddess. She asked them about it, and they explained the Santoshi Mata Vrat. They told her to offer Gur-Chana (Jaggery and Chickpeas) and avoid sour foods.

She began the fast with devotion. Soon, her husband returned with immense wealth. They set up a separate household. However, during the Udyapan (closing ceremony), her jealous sisters-in-law tricked her by putting lemon juice in the food served to the guests.