With the gentle murmur of autumn's advent, September unveils a rich tableau of lively festivals, each intricately intertwining strands of spirituality and heritage. From the revered Krishna Janmashtami to the jubilant revelries of Ganesh Chaturthi, a glimpse of these profound celebrations adorning this extraordinary month, synchronized with the Hindu Bhadrapada month:
Kajari Teej, September 2, Saturday: The Kajari Teej festival in Hindu culture reveres womanhood and seeks longevity and prosperity for husbands. Married women partake with exuberance. This celebration also heralds the monsoon's advent, a joyful relief after summer's heat, kindling widespread excitement.
Sankashti Chaturthi, September 2, Saturday: During Sankashti Chaturthi, moon sighting holds special importance. Devotees of Lord Ganesha believe dedicated prayers, particularly on Angarki Chaturthi, fulfill desires and ensure prosperity. Childless couples also observe the vrat for the blessing of progeny.
Krishna Janmashtami, September 7, Thursday: A joyous celebration of Lord Krishna's birth. Amidst vibrant festivities, devotional songs, spirited dances, and lively rituals like the Dahi Handi, Kite Flying, and more, devotees await midnight for the Nishita Kaal Puja revelry.
Aja Ekadashi, September 10, Sunday: The Aja Ekadashi vrat holds profound significance, even undertaken by Raja Harishchandra, who regained his son and kingdom. This vrat inspires salvation, breaking the cycle of birth and death. Observers restrain the body, emotions, behavior, and food, purifying the heart and soul. Scriptures promise forgiveness, joy, prosperity, and entry to Lord Vishnu's realm. It offers the blessings of Ashwamegh Yagya.
Bhadrapada Amavasya, September 14, Thursday: Occurring in the sacred month of Bhadrapada, this New Moon day holds spiritual gravity. Devotees engage in introspection, prayers, and acts of charity to honor ancestors and seek blessings for a prosperous life ahead.
Vishwakarma Puja, Kanya Sankranti, Varaha Jayanti: September 17, Sunday A triad celebration honoring Lord Vishwakarma's craftsmanship, Sun's transition to Virgo, and Lord Varaha's divine incarnation.
Vishwakarma Puja is a tribute to the divine craftsman, Lord Vishwakarma. Artisans and workers celebrate with reverence, seeking his blessings for skillful endeavors, tools, and innovations.
As the Sun transitions to Virgo, Kanya Sankranti heralds seasonal change. Devotees perform rituals, offer prayers, and make donations, embracing the shifting energies of nature.
Commemorating Lord Vishnu's boar incarnation, Varaha Jayanti, echoes his divine rescue of the Earth. Devotees offer prayers, seeking protection and spiritual enlightenment.
Hartalika Teej, September 18, Monday: Devotees fast and celebrate Hartalika Teej to honor the unbreakable bond of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Amidst devotion and fasting, married women immerse in ancient tales of Goddess Parvati. They pray for marital bliss, conjugal happiness, and prosperity, making this festival a celebration of love and devotion.
Ganesh Chaturthi, September 19, Tuesday: The grand arrival of Lord Ganesha is celebrated with alacrity. With fervor, homes transform into temples as Lord Ganesha arrives. Artistic idols, rhythmic chants, and vibrant processions mark the festival. Devotees seek blessings for new beginnings and wisdom from the remover of obstacles.
Parsva Ekadashi, September 25, Monday: A devout observance day marked by fasting and prayers. Devotees seek Lord Vishnu's blessings for spiritual growth and protection. This Ekadashi holds significance for its potential to cleanse the soul and foster inner harmony.
Ganesh Visarjan, September 28, Thursday: Culminating the vibrant Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with grand processions and heartfelt rituals. Idols are immersed in water, symbolizing his return to his divine abode while invoking blessings for the following year.
Pitrupaksha, Bhadrapada Purnima: September 29, Friday: Pitrupaksha begins, a period of honoring ancestors, culminating with Bhadrapada Purnima, a day of divine grace and fulfillment.
Pitrupaksha is a solemn period of ancestral remembrance. Devotees pay homage to departed ancestors through rituals and offerings, seeking their blessings and forgiveness.
Celebrated as Ancestor's Full Moon Day, Bhadrapada Purnima coincides with Pitrupaksha. Devotees perform rituals, charitable acts, and prayers, honoring ancestors and seeking their guidance and blessings.
As September dawns, these diverse festivals weave a vibrant thread of spirituality, tradition, and unity, illuminating our lives with their timeless significance and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of believers.