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The procedure for the Tuesday fast (Mangalwar Vrat) is simple; it begins in the morning and continues until the evening. Observing the Tuesday fast not only provides relief from troubles and adversities but can also help pacify the *Mangal Dosha* (affliction caused by the planet Mars) in one's horoscope. Furthermore, it leads to an increase in the devotee's courage and self-confidence. If you wish to reap the full benefits of the Tuesday fast, you must strictly adhere to the procedures and rules prescribed in the scriptures.

**Procedure for the Tuesday Fast:**
Wake up before sunrise—specifically during the *Brahma Muhurat* (the auspicious pre-dawn period)—and complete your morning ablutions.
On this day, wear red-colored garments, as this color is considered dear to Lord Hanuman and the planet Mars.

Purify the place of worship by sprinkling it with *Gangajal* (holy water from the Ganges). Thereafter, install an idol or image of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman.
Light a lamp filled with pure cow ghee, and offer *Sindoor* (vermilion), jasmine oil, a garland made of 11 or 21 betel leaves, and red flowers to Lord Hanuman.

As a *Bhog* (sacred food offering), one should offer *Besan ke Laddoo* (gram flour sweets) or *Boondi* to Lord Hanuman. You may also offer seasonal fruits.
Begin by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha, followed by the worship of Lord Hanuman.
Finally, recite the story (*Katha*) associated with the Tuesday fast.

**Things You Must Not Forget to Do:**
Lord Hanuman is the supreme devotee of Lord Rama. Consequently, the worship of Lord Hanuman is considered incomplete without invoking the name of Lord Rama. To please Lord Hanuman swiftly, ensure that you chant the name "Rama" during the worship ceremony. Additionally, you may recite the *Sundarkand*.

On this day, donating food to the hungry and clothing to the needy enhances the devotee's accumulation of spiritual merit (*Punya*).

To attain the full benefits, one should observe this fast continuously for 21 Tuesdays, strictly following the prescribed procedure. On the final Tuesday, a formal concluding ceremony (*Udyapan*) should be performed in accordance with scriptural rites.

**Rules and Precautions to Observe:**
During the fast, the consumption of ordinary table salt is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, one should refrain from even thinking about—let alone consuming—onions, garlic, meat, or alcohol.

Maintain physical and mental purity throughout the day, and strictly observe *Brahmacharya* (celibacy/continence). If it is not possible for you to remain without food throughout the entire day, you may consume a meal prepared from wheat and jaggery after the evening prayers. However, ensure that no salt is used in it.

You should refrain from activities such as engaging in arguments, using abusive language, or giving in to anger; otherwise, you will not receive the full spiritual rewards of the fast.

Avoid cutting your hair or nails on Tuesdays.

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