On Bhai dooj, the Scriptures have emphasized on nurturing the brother-sister relationship. Just as the love of mother towards her child is pure so also is that of a sister for her brother. On this day, Deity Yama visits His sister Yamuna for a meal. Hence, it is also known as Yama Dwitiya.
On Balipratipada a picture of King Bali and his Queen Vindhyavali is drawn with rangoli on the floor, decorated with five colours and worshipped. On Balipratipada, Bali is worshipped.
According to Shrimadbhagvat Puran on this day Shri Krushna slayed Narkasur. A powerful demon called Bhoumasur or Narkasur formerly ruled a place named Pragjyotishpur.
Dhanatrayodashi is also known as Dhanteras and Dhanvantari Jayanti. Businessmen worship their treasuries and Deity Shri Lakshmi on this day while Ayurvedic vaidyas (doctors) worship Deity Shri Dhanvantari (vaidya of Deities).
A legend has it that after samudramanthan (churning of the ocean) five kamadhenus (wish-fulfilling cows) were created from it. This vrat is performed to worship the Divine cow Nanda, one amongst them.
Against the backdrop of disasters like coronavirus, Hindu Dharma has suggested some options in practising code of conduct as per Dharma.
Hindu women perform the vowed religious observance (vrat) of Vatapournima for the husband, so that he is blessed with a long life and so that he remains her partner in seven births.
Now as the Ganesh festival is fast approaching how will such Hindus who have lost everything, including money, in the floods, install an idol of Shri Ganesh ?
This festival is of great significance amongst the farmers. After sowing of seeds, the bullocks are freed from their work in the fields; they are scrubbed and bathed.
Before commencing the ritualistic worship, rice (any other food grain if rice not available) is spread over the seat and then the Idol is placed on it. A fistful or a small mound of rice is used depending on the local custom. The benefit obtained by installing the Idol on rice grains is given ahead.
