AUGUST - SHRAVAN - BHADRAPAD

SHRAVAN : The Holy Month

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.