Pradosham, also referred as Pradosha Vrata, is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva in a traditional Hindu month and it falls on the 12th day a lunar fortnight. There are two Pradoshams – one during the waxing phase of moon and another during the waning phase of moon. Important pujas and rituals on the day dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati is observed during the twilight period. In January 2009 Pradosha are on January 8 and January 23.
Fasting from sunrise to sunset is the main ritual on the day for Shiva devotees. Some people only observe fasting on anyone of the Pradoshams in a month. Staunch Shiva devotees observe fast on the both the Pradosh days in a month.
The prayers and rituals for Pradosham begin around 1.5 hours before sunset and end one hour after sunset.
Special pujas are performed in Shiva temples during the period. It is said that Lord Shiva and Parvati are in a happy mood during Pradosham period and are easily pleased.