The term vrata, meaning “vow” or “votive ritual,” refers to a specific type of Hindu religious observance. A vrata is, essentially, “a religiously sanctioned votive observance, that is, a rite performed at a particular time with a particular desire in mind” (McGee, 1987, 17). Alternatively, vrata may be defined as a type of vow or promise directed toward a deity and associated with a ritual practice (McDa…