Chaturmas
begins on the Ekadasi day in Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashada and
ends on the Ekadasi in the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik.
Most
of the important festivals associated with Hinduism are closely linked
to agriculture and especially the harvest season. The monsoon rains
brings joy, greenery and fresh air and the four months is considered
highly auspicious and ideal for rituals, pujas and festivals.
The
first month in Chaturmas, Shravan is dedicated to Lord Shiva,
especially the Mondays. The next month is Bhadrapad, the month of
festivals including the Ganesh Chaturthi and Krishna Ashtami. Then comes
Ashwin month and the important festivals include, Durga Puja,
Navratri, Diwali etc. Finally, Kartik, Diwali celebrations end in this
month.
People
take different vows during Chaturmas – some people avoid
non-vegetarian food, some decide to read the Mahabharata or Ramayana or
Bhagavad Gita or the Bhagavad Purana on all days, some make it a point
to visit temples on all days, some decide to chant a prayer or mantra
daily ‘x’ number of times.
Health
is given importance during the four months. Many people avoid garlic
and onion as it can stimulate unnecessary excitements, cause indigestion
and distract devotee from pujas and prayers.
In
some regions, people avoid green leafy vegetables in the Shravan
month. Curd, or yoghurt, is avoided in Bhadrapad, milk is avoided in
Ashwin month and pulses, the split variety, are avoided in Kartik
month.
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