Gamha Purnami or Gamha Purnima is observed on Shravan Purnima, the Full Moon day in Shravan month. It celebrates the birthday or Jayanti of Lord Balarama or Bhalabadra. Gamha Purnima 2023 date is August 30. This festival is celebrated mainly in Odisha.
On the day of Gamha Purnami, cattle are worshipped. Other places of country celebrate the Full Moon day during Sawan month as Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Festival. In India especially in Orissa, cattle are very important aspect of agriculture and village life. The main ritual of Gamha Purnima festival is Gamha Dian or Gamha Diyan. As Lord Bhalabadra, also popular as Balarama, is the God of Cattle, cows and bullocks are worshipped on Balabhadra Jayanti. Balarama Jayanti is also celebrated on Akshaya Tritiya day.
In Nepal, the similar festival is celebrated as Gai Jatra on the next day to Janai Purnima or Shravan Purnima. In South India particularly Telugu people in Hyderabad or Andhra Pradesh, a festival called ‘Sadar Festival is celebrated in the month of Kartik.
HOW THE FESTIVAL RAKHI IS ASSOISATED WITH HINDUISUM AND HOW WE CAN DIFFERENTIATE THIS FESTIVAL WITH THE OTHER COMMUNITIES?
CHEERS!
PRASHANTH
Prashanth, Please read my posts on legends and stories associated with Rakhi Festival. The story of Indra and the demon king and Bali and laxmi. That may tell you the facts about the Raksha bandhan and its importance.