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The Saraswat festivals & Vritams

GSBs follow Hindu Lunar calendar or Panchang and the festivals and vritams are interwoven with the lunar days. A lunar month (New Moon to next New Moon) have two fortnights (Shukla paksha and Krishna Paksha) with full moon or purnima in between and No moon at end. Each fortnight has days named 1. Pratipada, 2. Dwitiya, 3. Tritiya, 4. Chaturthi, 5. Panchami, 6. Shashti, 7. Saptami, 8. Ashtami, 9. Navami, 10. Dasami, 11. Ekadasi, 12. Dwadasi, 13. Trayodashi, 14. Chaturdashi.  Know more about the lunar calendar

The festivals

1. Chaitra masa (March-April)

Ugadi or Samsar Padava is the new year day of Hindu lunar calendar (last week of March). Ugadi is derived from the words Yuga Aadi (Yuga + Aadi meaning "Beginning of New era"). According to Bramha Purana, Lord Brahma started creation on this day - Chaitra shuddha padhyami or the Ugadi day. It also commemorate the victory of Rama over Vali, a South Indian King. While it is called Ugadi in A.P. and Karnataka, in Maharashtra it is known as "Gudipadava" and as Samsar Padava by Kerala GSBs. With this day begins the new season, the spring.

In temples the New Panchang or almanac is ceremoniously released and the Samvatsara Phala  or the predictions for the whole year are read out. New clothes are  put on. In some families there is a system of “kappad vadap” which means dedication of saris and dhotis to the memory of  the departed souls with an offering of food or sweet beaten rice and an arti. The head of the family does it without the assistance of a priest and after food, the dhoti will be put on by him and sari, his wife.

Shri Rama Navami Lord Rama’s birthday is celebrated as Ramanavami. It falls on the 9th day (navami) of the Shukla Paksha. Ramnavami occurs in the month of March. Celebrations begin with a prayer to the Sun early in the morning. At mid day, when Lord Rama is supposed to have been born, a special prayer is performed. On this day, people observe a fast. In some parts of India, it is a nine-day festival known as Vasanta Navratri. Many devotees fast for nine days.

Shri Hanuman Jayanti This marks the birthday of Lord Hanuman and is celebrated on the full-moon day (poornima) of chaitra exactly at sunrise. The idol of Hanuman is smeared with oil and sindoor.

 
2. Vaishakha masa (April-May)

1. Shukla 3rd day: Akshaya tritiya-Shri Parashurama Jayanti.
2. Shukla 14th day: Shri Narasimha Jayanti.
3. Full Moon: Koorma Jayanti and Kartika Poornima.
 
3. Jyestha masa (May-June)

Watasavitri vritam or Wata Pournima
Is women's festival where women tie threads around a banyan (wad) tree and pray for the same husband in every birth (after Satyavaan-Saavitri's story).
 
4. Ashadha masa (June-July)

5. Shravan masa (July-Aug)

Naga Panchami  Celebrated on the 5th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Shravan. Milk is offered to naga idols with arti and prayers to nagas. The festival falls during the rainy months and is believed to counter the increased possibility of a snake bite during this time. People visit Naga temples worship them. Shiva temples are also favoured places for veneration as snakes are considered dear to him. In South India, people craft images of snakes using cow dung on either side of the entrance to the house to welcome the snake god. The practice of worshipping the snake on this day is related to many legends. Nag Panchami is believed as the victory day of Krishna over the Kaliya snake.

As most rivers in India are in spate during the month of Shravan, snakes come out of their subterranean abodes and creep about in plenty all over the place. Because of fear, nagas might have been elevated to a divine status by the Hindus. This day is also considered as the thanks giving occasion. Since in early days in the agrarian life, snakes used to help the crops by killing rats etc. the people wanted to protect and thank them.

This is Largely celebrated in the southern parts of India. In the north this is traditionally celebrated as Raksha Bandhan. This falls on the Poornima or 15th Day of the First Phase of the Shravana Month (Shravaana Shukla Poornima). Upakarma, as sutta punnav is more popularly known is celebrated by the renewal of the Sacred Thread or janwa. The married will have two janwas and the unmarried will have one with three threads. The three threads indicate Brahma,Vishnu and Maheshwara. The Gayatri mantra is chanted 1008 times during the Homa which is performed at the Wee hours of the morning.

The Konkanies make special cooking and dishes such as khotto or Ittu, pathrado, chone ghashi, anvas-ambe saasama.

Fall on Shravan Krishna (dark) fourth day when cows and their calves are worshipped. Mainly women offer food to the cows and smear their foreheads with vermillion. Cow's footprints are drawn and worshipped by women.

Gokulashtami or Sri Krishna Jayanti  This marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. He was born on the 'Rohini' nakshatram (star) on Ashtami day (the 8th day of Krishna Pakshaor dark half). This festival is also known as Sri Krishna Janmashtami. The actual day of celebration can be on two different days as the star 'Rohini' and Ashtami may not be on the same day.

6. Bhadrapada masa (Aug-Sep)

Shri Vinayaka Chaturthi  Vinayaka Chaturti is a festival celebrated in honor of Ganesha on the 4th day of Shukla Paksha.

Shri garuda panchami  is a festival celebrated in honor of Garuda on the 5th day of Shukla Paksha.

Shri Anant Chaturdashi The celebrations of Vinayaka comes to an end on Anant Chaturdashi -  The 14th day of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of Bhadrapad month which is celebrated as Anant Chaturdashi. This day is the day of the immersion of Ganpati in sea. The word Anant means endless or infinite and referes to Vishnu. On this day some people observe a vow in honour of Vishnu or Anant. A fast is observed and the worship is carried out in mid day. A hooded snake (Sheh Nag) made of "darbha" (sacred grass) is put in a bamboo basket and worshipped with scented flowers, oil lamp and incense sticks. Food is offered to the snake and a silk string is kept before the god, and then tied to the wrist. This string is called "anant", it has 14 knots, and is coloured with "Kumkum". Women tie the "anant" on their left hand and men on their right. The purpose of this vow is to obtain divinity and wealth, and is kept for 14 years.

The entire Krishna Paksha, thereafter is called Mahalaya with Amavasya  at the end called Mahalaya Amavasya (Mahlu). This fortnight is dedicated to our departed forefathers who are  supposed to visit us during this period. Tarpans and shradhas are offered in memory of them.

7. Ashwin masa (Sep-Oct)

Navaratri   Navaratri literally means nine nights (Nav = nine ; Ratri = nights). The first 9 days of the Ashwin Shukla Paksha constitute Navaratri with the worship of Mother Goddess. On the first three days, the Mother is invoked as powerful force called Durga in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects. The next three days, the Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees the inexhaustible wealth. The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the mother as the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati.

In West Bengal, Navratri is celebrated as Durga pooja. It lasts for nine days in honour of the nine manifestations of Durga. This commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the Asura Mahishasur. The battle between Goddess Durga and the Asura lasted for 9 days and 9 nights. Finally, on the tenth day, Goddess Durga killed Mahisha asura. This day is known as Vijayadasami meaning the 10th day of victory. Idols of Goddess Durga are worshipped for nine days and on the tenth day,the immersion of idols in sea is performed. The nine different manifestations of Durga worshipped over the nine days are - Durga, Bhadrakali, Amba or Jagdamba, Annapurna, Sarvamangala, Bhairavi, Chandika or handi, Lalita and Bhavani.

Durgashtami

During the transition between the eighth (ashtami) and the ninth (navami) days of Navratri, the female deity starts manifesting its energy. Hence, a special ritualistic worship called sandhipuja of Chamunda one of the forms of Durga is performed on this day called Durgashtami.

Maha Navami Mahanavami is on the 9th day of Navaratri and preceedes Vijayadashami.  Aayudha Pooja, worshipping of weapons by workmen and books by students, is performed on  the Maha Navami day. Saraswati pooja is done on this day.

Vijayadashami or Dussera or Vidhya arambh

This is among the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar and comes as the finale of the nine-day festival, Navaratri. This festival of victory is preceded by worship of Saraswati the Goddess of Learning and of Durga the Goddess of Strength. It is believed that on this day, Lord Rama had killed the demon Ravana. So, on Vijayadashmi day, effigies of Ravana are burnt all over India. Most of the temples will worship new paddy corn and  distribute to their devotees. New corn is brought home and tied to the pillars, treasury, vessel in which grain is stored etc. invoking plenty and prosperity.

In southern parts of India, Children are intoduced to Vidhya - writng their first letters on this day (Vidya Arambh or vidya starting).

Days of Deepavali

Diwali or Deepavali means row of lights. It is celebrated on the New Moon day of the month of Kartik. Deepavali is spread over 5 days starting with the 13th day of Krishna Paksha or second or dark fortnight of the month and is connected with many episodes from the Hindu holy books.

Day 1- Dhana-trayodahsi
Diwali begins with "Dhana-trayodahsi". Homes are cleaned, rangoli designs with colored powder grace doorsteps, and kitchens are fragrant with cooking. In the evening, divlis/clay lamps with oil wicks are lit. Dhanvantari, the deity of health is worshipped along with precious belongings in each home.

Day 2 - Naraka Chaturdashi or Bali Pratipada or Kali Choudas

Naraka Chaturdashi is on the Krishna Paksha (second fortnight) 14th day of the month. This day prior to Deepavali is called Naraka chaturdashi. This is in commemoration of Lord Krishna along with Satyabhama killing a wicked Asura by name Narakasura on the eve of Diwali.

This day is   also known as Bali Pratipada, to signify the defeat of King Maha Bali. The myth goes that when God felt that King Bali was becoming too powerful, Vishnu, disguised as a sage of diminutive proportions (Vamana Avtar), appeared in his court. Bali offered to fulfil any of the sage's wishes. The sage asked for all the land he could cover in 3 paces. King Bali agreed immediately. Vishu then assumed a gigantic form and claimed the world (Mrityuloka), and the heavens (Swargloka) in two paces. To keep his foot down the 3rd time, he asked for King Bali's head, who, being a noble, agreed. Thus, the reign of Bali was overthrown. The word "Pratiprada" literally means "below the opponent's foot".

In some parts of India, the day prior to Diwali is celebrated as Choti Diwali and celebrated by lighting Fire crackers. This is to commemorate Hanuman coming to Ayodhya with the news of the arrival of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman from Lanka. In West Bengal, Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja or Kali Choudas worshipping Goddess Kali.

Day 3 - Diwali and Laxmi Puja

The Deepawali Day is believed to be the day on which Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya from Lanka. Being dark night (Amavasya or No moon day), the night before new moon day) they were greeted by lighting hundreds of clay lamps. This gives the festival the name of Deepawali. On the main Diwali day, a morning bath is very essential. In South India to bath before Sunrise, after a good oil massage, is considered very auspicious. Children finish this and start firing crackers in the early dark minutes before the Sunrise.

Laxmi Puja is also celebrated on this and reflects the fact that this is a time of harvest. Traditionally, the time of harvest is a time of prosperity. According to myth, Laxmi Puja is performed on the day when Goddess Laxmi emerged from Kshira Sagara while the churning of Amrutha Madhanam.

Day 4 - Govardhan Puja or Bhau-bij or Yamadwititya

The day after Deepawali is celebrated as Govardhana Puja. The sacred hill of Govardhan, near Mathura and Kamadhenu (the cosmic cow) which are connected with Lord Krishna are worshipped. Krishna lifted up the Govardhan mountain and held it like an umbrella, under which people and animals took shelter from the relentless rain. Once the rain subdued, the people gathered around the hill and had a great feast. This festival is especially popular among the devotees of Bala Krishna.

On this day brothers visit their sisters' homes. This day is also called Yamadwitiya, because on this day Yama went to visit his sister Yami, and they waved the lamp to each other as a sign of mutual love and respect. On this day sisters wave the lamp to their brothers, and brothers offer gifts to their sisters. This practice is popular in Karnataka and not in Kerala.

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9. Margashirsha (Nov-Dec)

Subramanya Shashthi or Skandha Sashti

The sixth day (Sashti) of the waxing moon ( sukhla) in the month is celebrated as Skandha Sashti. Skanda Sashti commemorates the destruction of evil by the Supreme General Kartikeya known as Kumara or Subramanya, son of Shiva. The Story of Skanda Shasti is the story of the birth of Skanda or Kumara and the fulfillment of the purpose of His divine incarnation. Tarakasura was creating havoc in the world. Upon Brahma's suggestion, Gods sought the help of Parvathi and Kamadev (the god of love) to arouse Shiva from the deep state of meditation and samadhi. Kamadev shot his arrows of love at Shiva who was eventually disturbed and the fire of anger from his third eye burnt Kamadev into ashes. None could bear the sparks of His fiery seed. It fell into the mouth of Agni, and afterwards received by Ganges, who in turn threw it into Sara Vana ( forest of arrow like grass). Thus Saravanabava was born. He was also Skanda - Shiva's power of chastity preserved through penance. He was made the General (Deva Senapathi) of the God's army. Skanda received from his mother Parasakthi an all powerful Vel (lance).   He engaged the armies of Simhamukha, Surapadman and Tarakasura on a six day battle and vanquished all of them on the sixth day. The Asuras were annihilated and the Devas were liberated.

Corresponding to the six days of the war over the evil forces, devotees undertake fasts, prayers and devotional singing to Lord Muruga. Most of the devotees stay in the temples during these six days. This festival is more popular in Tamil Nadu.
 

10.Pushya (Dec-Jan)

This is on the 11th day of the first fortnight. It was on this day that during the Sagara Mathana (churning of the ocean), Amrit (nectar) emerged out of the ocean and was distributed to the Gods. The Hindus consider this day very auspicious and it is believed that those who die on this day are freed from the rounds of birth and death; they directly reach Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu. It is for this reason that the Great King Bhishma waited long on his bed of arrows, to leave his last breath. On Vaikunta Ekadashi day devotees fast the whole day, observe vigil the whole night and do 'Japa' (meditation) and 'Hari Kirtan' (devotional songs).

Fasting is prescribed on all Ekadashis, that is, the 11th day of the lunar fortnight, twice a month. No rice should be taken on Ekadashi days. It is said that the sweat that fell down from the head of Brahma assumed the form of a demon and he asked the Lord to provide him an abode to dwell. Brahma said to the demon to go and dwell in the rice particles eaten by people on Ekadashi day and become worms in their stomach. For this reason rice is prohibited on Ekadashi. Once there was a demon, 'Mura', who oppressed the gods. The gods approached Lord Hari for protection. Hari sent Yoga Maya to kill the demon. Yoga Maya carried out the behests of the Lord successfully. The Lord said to Yoga Maya that those who will observe Ekadashi will be freed from all sins, and Yoga Maya will be caned by the name Ekadashi.

The importance of ekasahi vritam is glorified by the story of King Ambarisha.

King Ambarisha was a great votary of Lord Hari. He practised the Ekadashi vritam for a year. Ambarisha obtained His Grace. On one occasion he fasted for three consecutive days. He was about to break the fast when Rishi Durvasa appeared as his guest. The king received him with due respect and requested him to take his meals. The Rishi agreed and went to bathe in the river. The king waited patiently for a long time, but the Rishi did not return. Time was running out; if the king did not eat anything before the day ended his vritam would not bear fruit and if he ate, he would be showing disregard to the Rishi. As a compromise the king took a little water to serve both the conditions.

When Durvasa returned from his bath, he knew exactly what had happened, and was angry. He tore a hair from his tuft and charged him to king Ambarisha. The king was unmoved. The discus of Lord Vishnu destroyed the power of the hair of Durvasa. It now followed the Rishi wherever he went and tried to destroy him.

Rishi Durvasa went to Brahma and Shiva for help, but to no avail. He went to Lord Hari who said that he is in the possession of his devotees. Lord said that the Rishi should go to Ambaisha abd beg for his forgiveness. Ambarisha there upon prayed to the charged hair to desist from its course, and saved the Rishi.
 
11. Magha masa (Jan-Feb)

This holy day marks the commencement of the Sun's northern course in the Heavens - the Uttaraayana patha. This turn in the Sun's course takes place at the point of time when it enters the sign of Makara or Capricorn. From this day the day-duration increases and the night decreases. It is the harbinger of more light and sunshine in life and lessening of its darker aspects

This is the day when the sun begins its northward journey. It usually falls in the middle of January and is based on Solar Calendar. For the people of the northern hemisphere, the northward path of the sun marks the period when the sun is getting closer and closer to them, when the days are getting longer, and it is becoming warmer and warmer.

To Hindus, the sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. Makara Shankranti signifies that we should turn away from the darkness of delusion in which we live, and begin to joyously let the light within us shine brighter and brighter. This day is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu.

Vasant Panchami or Saraswati Day

Vasant Panchami, the Festival of Kites, falls on Panchami or 5th day of the Sukhla Paksh (Waxing moon) towards the close of winter in the month of Jan-Feb and marks the first day of spring or vasant season. All get up in the early morning, take bath and worship the sun, Mother Ganga and the earth. all wear yellow clothes on this day. The yellow colour is a sign of auspiciousness and spirituality. It represents the ripening of the spring crops. The Bengalis call this festival Saraswathi Puja. They worship the Goddess Saraswathi on this day. The image of the Goddess is taken in procession and immersed in the holy Ganges. It is believed that this day is Saraswati’s birthday.

Ratha saptami  

Ratha Saptami is observed on the seveth day of the shukhla or bright fortnight in the month of Magha. It is corresponding to the English month of Jan-Feb when the Sun is in Makara. The Sun rules the planets and they in their turn rule the destinies of mankind. Therefore, the worship of the Sun on this occasion is supposed to please the planets also for getting beneficial results. On this occasion people place a layer of the leaves Erukka  on their heads and take bath. These leaves consider to possess miraculous properties and also symbolises the washing away of all sins. Ratha Saptami is considered more auspicious if it falls on Sunday benefetting the worshippers free from any ailments and immunity from premature death.

On Ratha-Saptami, a low platform is placed next to the Tulsi plant. Seven horses are drawn using red sandal paste (representing the seven horses of the Sun-god's chariot). Everything is used, in fact, red in colour on this occasion, as a symbol of the Sun God Surya, including flowers, kumkum etc. In the courtyard of the house, milk is heated in an earthen pot placed on dung-cakes. When the milk boils, it is allowed to spill over the edge of the pot.

Shri Madhwa Navami

This falls on the 9th day of Shukla paksha and commemorates the birthday of Sri Madhvacharya, who founded the dwaita philosophy.

Maha Sivaratri is celebrated on the 14th night of the dark half or Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. This   is the night before the new-moon day in February-March. According to 'Shiva Purana' no festival other than Maha Shivaratri observed by devotees gives Shiva so much pleasure and satisfaction. According to a legend, it signifies the day on which Lord Shiva swallowed the deadly poison that emanated from the churning of the ocean of milk, which would have killed the Gods. Not knowing that it would not cause any harm to Him, all the Gods and Goddesses kept vigil throughout the night praying for His life. The prayer that was offered to Him that night is repeated since then on Shiva Ratri. The devotees observe strict religious discipline by abstaining from food for the day and keep themselves awake the whole night. 'Shiva Linga' is worshipped with 'vilwa' leaves throughout the night with chanting of the 'Panchakshyara Mantra' - "Om Namah Shivay" and Shiva's 1,008 names. The next morning, they take their bath and after worshipping Shiva again break their fasts.

The 14th day of the dark half of every month- Krishna Chaturdasi- is called 'Sivaratri'.  There are  five Shiva ratris celebrated every year in different months - Maha Sivaratri, Nitya Sivaratri, Paksha Sivaratri, Maasa Sivaratri and Yoga Sivaratri.

12. Phalguna (Feb-March)

No specific festivals this month

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Hindu Lunar Calendar

In the case of Lunar calendar, which follows the course of the moon, the lunar month has 30 days(tithi) and each day starts from the sunrise. Going by the waxing and waning of the moon, the lunar month is divided into two fortnights called Shukla Paksha or Shuddha (Bright Fortnight) and Krishna Paksha (Dark fortnight). The Bright Half consists of waxing of the moon whereas the Dark Half, waning of the moon.

Lunar Months:

The Lunar Month is 29 or 30 days based on the phases of the Moon (divided into 30 parts or lunar days or tithis)  and starts from the first day of waxing and each tithi for 14 days is literally called First day, Second day, Third day etc and on the 15th day it will be Poornima or the Full Moon Day.From the 16th day, the First day of the Dark Half starts again with the same name of the tithi or day and ends up with Amavasya, the night long darkness. Thus each month begins with punav (purnima or full moon) and proceeds through amaas (amaavasya or new moon).

A Tithi is the span of time the Moon will cover in 1/30^th of a lunar month (New Moon to next New Moon). The days are called 1. Pratipada, 2. Dwitiya, 3. Tritiya, 4. Chaturthi, 5. Panchami, 6. Shashti, 7. Saptami, 8. Ashtami, 9. Navami, 10. Dasami, 11. Ekadasi, 12. Dwadasi, 13. Trayodashi, 14. Chaturdashi, 15. Purnima (full Moon). A lunar year is about 11 days shorter than a solar year.

Lunar calendar too has twelve months. They bear the name of the constellation of the stars with which the moon rises on the full moon day. For example, in the first month of Chaitra, the moon will rise with the Chitra star and Vaishaka, with Vishakha star. These twelve months make a year or Samvatsara. The twelve lunar months are as follows: