Ksheerabdhi Daswadashi

Ksheerabdhi Daswadashi, also known as Tulsi Damodara Dwadasi vrata, Chilku Dwadasi, Yogini Dwadashi, Yogeeshwari Dwadasi or Chukkala Dwadashi, is observed on Kartik Shukla Dwadashi day. Ksheerabdhi Dwadashi 2009 date is October 30. According to several Puranas, Lord Vishnu, who woke up from cosmic sleep on Utthana Ekadashi, comes to Vrindavan or Brundavan along with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Brahma. It is also believed that on this day, Ksheer Sagar Manthan (Churning of the Milk Ocean) for Amrit (nector) was started by demons and Gods.

Hence, worshipping Tulasi plant along with Sri Maha Vishnu on this day gives many meritorious results. Deeparadhana on Vishnu temples are most preferable ritual to perform on Ksheerabdi Dwadashi. Those who protect the diya lighten by others will also get good benefits. Tulsi Damodar Vivah is done today in most of the places.

Ksheerabdi Dwadasi vratam is a main ritual during Karthika masam in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

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Deepavali - Festival of Lights

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the five-day festival celebrated with much gusto and enthusiasm. This festival of lights is celebrated for five days throughout India. Diwali festival celebrations start with Dhan Teras, also known as Dhanvantari Triodasi, and ends with Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhatru Dwitiya. Here are some details about the five festive days celebrated during Diwali festival.

Dhan Teras or Dhan Triodasi – First day of Diwali:
Dhan Teras or Dhan Triodasi marks the beginning of Diwali festival. On this day Dhan Tears Puja is performed by business people. This is very auspicious to buy or purchase gold, flat, plot and any other property. Dhan Triodasi day also marks Dhanvantari Jayanthi. Dhanvantari is the God of Ayurveda or Health as per Hinduism.

Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi – Second day of Diwali:
It is observed on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi as per North Indian calendars. On this day, Lord Krishna along with Satyabhama killed demon Narakasur and freed the world from fear of evil.

DhanaLakshmi Puja during Diwali – Third day of Diwali:
It is the actual Diwali day. It is celebrated on Kartik Amavasya as per North Indian calendars and according to other calendars Diwali falls on Ashwin Amavasya. Lakshmi Puja is performed on this day.

Govardhan Puja or Bali Padyami – Fourth day of Diwali:
It is performed on the day after Diwali. It is also observed as Bali Padyami. Lord Sri Krishna along with cattle is worshipped on Kartik Shukla Pratipada. On this day, Sri Krishna lifted the Mountain called Govardhan Giri to rescue the cattle and the people of Gokul.

Bhai Dooj or Bhatru Dwitiya or Yama Dwitiya – Fifth and last day of Diwali:
Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phota, Bhayya Dhooj, Bhai Tika, Bhatru Dwitiya, Bhaubeej or Bhav Bij or Yama Dwitiya, is the last and final day of Diwali festival. On this day, sisters perform Raksha puja to their brothers. This day marks the eternal love and affection between a brother and sister.

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Atla Taddi Bhogi - Atla Taddi Vratam – Atla Thadde Gauri Puja

Atla Taddi Bhogi:

Atla Taddi Bhogi is first day of Atla Taddi festival. After Atlataddi Bhogi day, Atla Taddi festival is celebrated. In 2009, Atla Taddi Bhogi date is October 5. It is observed on Ashwayuja Krishna Paksha Vidiya. On this day, Telugu women wake up early morning and take ritual or ceremonial bath. In some places, Gauri Puja is also performed on the day. Gorintaku (Mehndi) designs are drawn on their hands during the day. This is the main ritual on Atla Taddi Bhogi. Thambulam (betel nut leaf) is taken after meals. Preparations for Atla Thaddi are done on Atla Thaddi Bhogi.

Atla Taddi Festival:

Atla Taddi is the festival which falls after Dasara every year. It is the regional festvial of Andhra Pradesh, celebrated by married women as well as unmarried women. Goddess Gauri is worshipped on the day of Atla Taddi. It is celebrated on the third day after Ashwayuja Purnima, the Full Moon day in Ashwayuja masam of Telugu calendar, and falls in October as per Gregorian calendar. Atla Taddi is the festival which falls after Dasara every year. It is the regional festvial of Andhra Pradesh, celebrated by married women as well as unmarried women. Goddess Gauri is worshipped on the day of Atla Taddi. It is celebrated on the third day after Ashwayuja Purnima, the Full Moon day in Ashwayuja masam of Telugu calendar, and falls in October as per Gregorian calendar.

Atla Thaddi Gauri Puja Procedure:

A small idol of Gauri is made with Pasupu (turmeric) and installed in a sacred and sanctified place. The idol is called Gauramma. Gauramma is offered Abhisheka (bath) while reciting the mantras, the performers spill Pasupu (turmeric powder), Kumkuma (crimson powder) and shower flowers. At the end of the puja, Goddess is offered Naivedyam (food offerings) and then Aarti is given to Goddess Gauri. After Gauri Puja or Atla Thaddi Nomu, the performers and all family members take theertham and prasadam.

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Kojagari Lakshmi Pooja

Kojagari Lakshmi Pooja is observed on the Full Moon day in the month of Ashwin. Kojagari Lakshmi Puja 2009 date is October 3. It is mainly observed in Eastern Indian states – Bengal, Orissa and Assam and some other parts of Western parts of India. Kojagari Vrat is also observed in Central Indian regions – Budelkhand and some parts of Bihar, especially Darbhanga region.

Significance of Kojagari Lakshmi Pooja:
As per Hindu scriptures and Hindu beliefs, the favorite day for Goddess Laxmi is Poornima. Devotees believe that on the day of Purnima, Goddess Lakshmi visits their houses and blesses them with wealth, health and prosperity. Ashwin purnima, also called as Sharad Purnima, is more auspicious because Ashwin is the favorite month for Goddess Lakshmi.

Procedure of Kojagiri Lakshmi Puja:

On the day of Kojagari Lakshmi Pooja, devotees install clay idols of Goddess Laxmi in their houses and worship her. The main ritual or tradition is drawing of Alpana. Alpona patterns or designs refer Goddess Laxmi’s feet. Shodashopachar Puja (16 steps of puja) is performed to Lakshmi. Some special recipes or sweets are made on the day of Kojagiri Lakshmi puja and offered to Goddess laxmi.
The procedure and the other steps of the Kojagiri Lakshmi pooja may differ from place to place and community to community. In some temples or in spiritual or devotional organizations, Sarvajanik Lakshmi pooja is done on Kajagiri Poornima day.
Kojagari Lakshmi Vrat coincides with harvest festival called ‘Navanna’. Navanna is the day from when new grain or paddy of the harvest season is generally consumed.
Alpana or Alpona are Rangoli designs or patterns specially drawn in Bengal, Orissa and some other regions of Eastern parts of India.
In Gujarat, Maharashtra and some other parts of India Kojagari Purnima is observed as Sharad Purnima vrat. Kaumudi Utsav is also observed on Sharad Purnima. Kaumudi is the Moon God who is also referred as the brother of Goddess Lakshmi.

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