Sravana masam is the most auspicious month to worship Goddess Lakshmi. In temples dedicated to Lakshmi, Sravanamasa utsavalu (Celebrations during Shravan month) are celebrated with utmost fervor and devotion. In 2009, Shravan month ends on August 20. Though Sravan maas is very special to Goddess Laxmi, Fridays during Sravan maas are even more special to the Goddess.
Special pujas are done on Sravan Shukravara. Aartis, Kumkumarchana and Kanakabhishekam are performed on Sravan Shukravar. Varalakshmi vratam is the main vratham observed during Sravan month in Astalakshmi temple located at Vasavi Nagar Colony near Dilsukhnagar in Hyderabad. Ashtalakshmi Pujas are also performed during the month of Sravan. Thousands of devotees participate in Sravanamasa Utsavalu.
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.
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
