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A time of rain storms and rain-drenched earth, Shravan is the holiest
month of the year for Hindus. Each Monday of this month, known as
Shravan Somvar, is a special day in Shiva temples where the dharanatra
hangs over the linga or the idol to bathe it with water, day and
night. Devotees pile the lmga high with Bel leaves and flowers and
fast till sundown, eating only root vegetables and'fruit. The nanda
deep, Only a 24 hour lamp, burns steadily in the temples signifying
the eternal prayers of devotees ascending to heaven.
NAGAPANCHAMI :
The Snake Festival
On the fifth day of the bright half of Shravan, Nagapanchan the
festival of snakes is celebrated. Snake worship is more common in
peninsular India than in the north. In Maharashtra, snake charmers
go from house to house with dormant cobras ense nced in cane baskets,
asking for alms and clothing.
RAKSHABANDHAN : Celebration
Of Fraternal Love
Multi-hued rakhis present a festive appearance. A platter offered
to a brother contains sweets, vermilhon and rakhis. The most widely
celebrated festival of the month of Shravan occurs on its full moon
day and is called Narali Purnima (Coconut Day) or Rakshabandhan.
In the cycle of seasons, this full moon day marks the receding path
of the monsoons. As the rains abate, sailors and fisherfolk worship
a calmer sea, offering coconuts, flowers and sweets to it. In some
parts of India, this day is reserved for changing the yagnyopavitor
the sacred thread, when young boys discard their old yagnopavit
and don a new one ritualistically.
JANMASHTAMI : The
Birthday Of Krishna
Eight days after the full moon of Shravan, falls the festival of
Janmashtami, the birthday of Krishna. For centuries this story has
been relived every year on this dark, rainy night. Krishna, the
divine son of Devaki and Vasudeva was born on a stormy night in
a prison because his parents were imprisoned by Karnsa, the wicked
king of Mathura. Karnsa, who was the brother of Devaki, killed all
her children at birth because he had been warned that her eighth
child would kill him.
ONAM :
Kerala’s Secular Pageant
In the coconut tree lined backwaters of Kerala, boat races are an
event of great pageantry. Artistic flower pattern are made in front
of each home on Onam. Among the most colourful community festivals
of India is Onam, specific to Kerala. It is celebrated as a secular
state event by all the people whichever religion they may belong
to. Coming at the end of the monsoons, in the month of Shravan,
it commemorates the return of king Mahabali, a powerful mythical
ruler of Kerala, once again to his kingdom and his adoring subjects.
Bah resides in the netherworld as ordained by Vamana, the fifth
incarnation of Vishnu.
PATETI AND KHORDAD SAL :
New Beginnings
The older sect of Parsis celebrates the first day of the month of
Farvardm as their New Year. On this day the Parsis review their
actions in the past year, make resolutions for the new year, recite
Patet or the prayer of repentance, hence the name Pateti, and promise
to live in the righteous manner prescribed by their religious teaching.
PARYUSHAN :
Jams Remember Their Tirthankara
Once again in the month of August, Jains celebrate the birth of
the 24th tirthankara Mahavir, during Paryushan, an eight-day festival.
