Raksha Panchami is observed on the fifth day in second half during Shravan month. In 2009, the date of Raksha Panchami is August 10. It is believed that who missed to tie Rakhi or getting tied the Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Pournima, will tie and get tied Rakhi on Raksha Panchami. On Raksha Panchami, Lord Ganesha is also worshipped.
Rekha Panchami celebrations in Orissa
Raksha Panchami is celebrated as Rekha Panchami in Orissa. During Rekha Panchami, Lord Bhairava, one of the forms of Lord Shiva is worshipped. Rekha Panchami is celebrated to get rid of Mruga or to be protected (Rekha is drawn to get rid of wild animals) from wild animals like tiger, wolf and wild dogs.
Nag Panchami – Shravan Krishna Panchami celebrations in Gujarat
Shravan Krishna Panchami is observed as Nag Panchami in Gujarat. On this day in Gujarat, Naga devatas are worshipped.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami or Krishnashtami, also known as Gokulashtami, is the birthday of one of the most popular deities of Hinduism, Lord Sri Krishna. Janmashtami 2010, popularly known as Krishnashtami, date is September 1, 2010. Smartha Sects celebrate the Janmashtami in 2010 on September 1 and Vaishnava sects celebrate the Krishnashtami 2010 or Gokulashtami in 2010 on September 2.
Lord Krishna was born on the Astami thithi (eighth day) in Krishna paksha during the month of Shravan (August – September). Lord Krishna’s Nakshatra or the birth star is Rohini. The main objective or the aim of Krishna’s birth was to demolish the demon Kansa and his evil acts. Kansa is Krishna’s maternal uncle.
Image source: Exotic indian art
Nag Panchami Vrat or Naga Pancham Puja is the festival dedicated to Naga Devatas (Serpent Gods) during Shravan month in Gujarat. In 2009, the date of Nag Panchami is August 11.
Sawan Krishna Paksha Panchami is observed as Naga Panchami in Gujarat. The rituals and customs of Nag Panchami puja in Gujarat are same as all other states. Special pujas are performed during Nagpanchami to Naga Devatas like Vasuki, Ananta and Aadisesha.
In all other places of India, Shravan Shukla Panchami is observed as Naga Panchami, whereas In Gujarat Naga Panchami is observed on Sawan Krishna Panchami. Some special recipes are made and offered to Naga Devatas. Devotees keep fasting during Nag Panchami.
Nag Panchami Puja Procedure – Legend or story of Naga Panchami in Gujarat – Slokam to recite or chant during Naga Puja on Nag Panchami
Bail Pola is celebrated in a pleasant atmosphere in villages. Farmers worship bullocks on Bail Pola. Vesana (rope) from the nostrils of Bullcok is removed on the day before Pola festival. Haldi (Turmeric paste) with ground nut oil is applied on bullock’s body. Water bath is given to bullocks after applying haldi paste.
After the bath, bulls are offered Khichadia or Bajaria to eat. On Bail Pola day, bullocks are painted and decorated. Bulls’ horns are painted with dark colours. Bulloks are covered with colourful and attractive shawls and towels and put various ornaments on them. After adorning the bulls with flower garlands, the bullas are worshipped. Farmers prapare a special sweet recipe called Puran Polia on Bail Pola festival. After the Bail Pola day, farmers begin the farming activities such as ploughing and sowing.
Bail Pola Festival in 2009
Pola or Bial Pola is one of the widely celebrated festivals dedicated to cattle in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and some parts of other North Indian states. Pola is celebrated on Pithroti Amavasya, the new moon day in Shravan month (August – September). In 2009, the date of Pola or Bail Pola is August 20.
Though in every aspect of agriculture famers use mechanical equipments for farming, in many places of India bullocks are used for farming the land. This is the very festive occasion for the farmers to pay their respect towards their bullocks. That is the reason why Pola is also called Bail Pola.
How is Bail Pola celebrated? Rituals and customs of Bail Pola
