1-Chaitra Maas Vrat
Chaitra Maas
is the 1st month of Hindu Lunar calendar year. The following Vrat and
festivals fall in this month.
Chaitra Krishn Ashtamee - Sheetalaa Ashtamee
This Ashtamee is celebrated as Sheetalaa Ashtamee.
Sheetalaa Maataa is
worshipped on this day with the belief that she will save the people from
small pox and chicken pox and other deadly epidemics. For this the food is
prepared the previous day and is eaten cool on this day. In North India
after this day, people normally do not eat the previous day food any more.
Chaitra Shukla Pratipadaa
This day Brahmaa Jee created this world, so the first Sat Yug starts
this day. That is why this day is called Yugaadi (Yug + Aadi = beginning
of the Yug) day. This day is celebrated in southern India also with the
name Ugaadi.
Chaitra Shukla Pratipadaa - Navamee - Nava Raatri or Nava Durgaa
This is the first Nava Raatri
in which nine forms of Devee are worshipped for nine days. the other Nava Raatri
comes in Aashwin month, just before Dashaharaa. In this Nava Raatri also, people
keep fast for nine days. The 8th day they feed Kanjak and Kanjikaa (boys and girls
below 9 years of age), give them Daan according to their economic situation, clothes
etc along with some Dakshinaa (money). Pooree, Halavaa, vegetables are prepared for
the Naivedya of Devee and for invited children.
Chaitra Shukla Navamee - Raam Navamee
Raam was born on Raam Navamee
day. This day is not celebrated with the same vigor as Krishn
Janmaashtamee is
celebrated, still it is celebrated in a modest way.