Early Times Report
jammu, Aug 21: India is home to various cultural and religious festivals. Just six days after Raksha Bandhan or Shravan Purnima, the Hindus in India celebrate Har Chhath or Hal Sashti Vrat. It is observed on the shashti or the 6th day of Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of moon) during the month of Bhadrapada in the traditional Hindu calendar. An important festival in the traditional Hindu calendar, Hal Sashti is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Lord Balaram, who is an elder brother of Shri Krishna.
The festival celebrating Lord Balaram's birth has different names in different parts of India. In Rajasthan it is known as Chandra Sashti, while in Gujarat it is known as Randhan Chhath and in Braj region it is called Baladev Chhath. Kashmiri Pandits call it Chandhan Sheshti. Shashthi or Shashti (literally means "sixth") is a Hindu Goddess, represents as the supporter and protector of children. She is also considered as the Hindu folk goddess for reproduction and the tutelary deity of every household and is believed to assist women during childbirth. Goddess Shashthi is pictured as a mother goddess, riding a cat (Vahan) and nursing one or more children. Maa Shashti is also worshipped as a bestowed of children to the childless parents, and regarded as the primary goddess for blessing children. |
