Yellu Amavasya, also spelt as Ellu Amavasya, is observed on No Moon day in Margashira month (Margasira Amavasya) in Karnataka and some parts of Andhra Pradesh. In 2009, Yellu Amavasya date is December 16, Wednesday. This is a major festival in farming communities in North Karnataka. In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states, this festival marks the ending of Kharif season. Farmers celebrate the day as thanks-giving festival dedicated to the Mother Earth.
On Ellu Amavasya day, farming families visit the fields along with their family cuisine and offer puja to Mother Earth and to Lord Shani. Literally in Kannada, Yellu means sesame grains and these sesame symbolize Lord Shani. Special recipes are offered to the deities and respective family deities are worshipped with great fervor. Farmers believe that ‘Bhoodevi puja’ helps them yield good crop in coming seasons and the Mother Earth blesses their families with good health and wealth.
Another major Amavasya festival dedicated to Mother Earth and to crops is – Polala Amavasya which is celebrated in Shravana Masam (Shravana Amavasya).
Margasira Masam utsavam at Kanakamahalakshmi temple in Vizag began on November 17, 2009. Celebrations and rituals are commenced throughout the month of Margasira at the temple. Festivities were started in the morning with panchamruta abhishekam to Goddess Kanaka Mahalakshmi and Sahasranama kumkuma puja. After that, Ksheerabhishekam (abhishekam with milk) was performed to the deity. Pujas were continued till the evening. Lalitha Sahasranamam and Annamayya krithis (sankirthanas) were recited in the morning.
Thousands of devotees thronged to the temple on the first day of Margasira masam. Temple is decorated with flower garlands and illuminated with lights. During the whole month of Margashira, Durga Saptashathi, Mahavidya homam, Lakshmi homam and Sri Chakra puja are conducted. On the last Thursday in the month, 10 December, 2009, Sahasraghatabhishekam would be performed.
Astalakshmi alankaram is the main attraction of Goddess Kanaka mahalakshmi during the Margashira month. On Thursdays during the month are considered highly auspicious. Grand arrangements are made for devotees to attend the events and get blessed by Goddess Kanaka Mahalakshmi.
Image Source: The Hindu
Mokshada Ekadashi, also known as Mauna Ekadasi, is observed on Margashirsha Shukla Ekadasi, the eleventh day in the light fortnight of the month Margashira (November – December). In 2009, Mokshada Ekadashi date is November 28. Mokshada Ekadasi is popularly observed as Gita Jayanthi. On this day the prominent Hindu scripture Bhagvad Geeta was taught by Lord Sri Krishna to Arjuna during the Kurukshetra war.
Mokshada Ekadasi vrat katha or the legend of this Ekadashi is mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana. It is believed that observing Moksada Ekadasi vrata would free dead ancestors from their sins and provides them Moksha or salvation. On this day, Mauna Vrata is observed hence it is also called as Mauna Ekadashi. Bhagvad Gita, Mukundashtakam, Vishnu Sahasranamam are recited during the Ekadashi day.
Margashira masam or Margasira month is the ninth month as per traditional Telugu calendar. In 2009, Margashira masam starts on November 17 and ends on December 16. Margashira month is considered as auspicious month for Telugu people as it is the favorite month for Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna himself says that he is the Margashiram. This month marks the beginning of Hemanta ruthu.
In North Coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh like Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam, observe Margashira Lakshmivarapu Nomu. Guruvar (Thursday) is called as Lakshmivaram in this region. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during the Thursdays in the month of Margashirsha. Subramanya Shasti, Mokshada Ekadashi, Hanumath Vratham, Datta Jayanti and Dhanur Sankramana punyakalam are the major festivals during Margasira month.
Festivals and auspicious days during Margashira masam 2009:
It is to note that according to North Indian calendars, Margashirsha month in 2009 is started on November 3 and will end on December 2.
As per Gujarati, Marathi and Kannada calendars, Margashirsh month will start on November 17 and end on December 16 in 2009.
Naga Panchami is also observed during Margasira masam or Margashirsha month in Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Karnataka. In 2009, Margasira Naga Panchami date is November 21. Devotees consider Naga Panchami, Subramanya Shasti and Mitra Saptami or Surya Saptami are the three auspicious days to worship the deities for better health and wellbeing of the family. Naga devatas (snake gods), Lord Subramanya and Surya bhagwan are worshipped for good health during these days.
The important Nagula Panchami is observed in Shravana masam in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Nagula Chavithi is celebrated during Kartika masam in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Why Naga Panchami is also celebrated in Margashira masam?
Margashira masam is an important month in farming or for formers. During the month, crop production and cultivation will be in high peek. Very often we can see snakes in farmyards. To pacify the bad effects of sarpa dosha or to get good crops and yields, farmers pray to snake gods.
