BHADRA भाद्र

This month holds many festivals as well. Starting from Krisnha Asthami (कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी), which is the birthday of Lord Krishna on this Earth. Success of truth over sin and agricultural motivation is the main message of the lord. On this day there is massive celebration in the Krishna Mandir of Patan, Mangalbazar. 

Bhimsen Jatra (भिमसेन जात्रा) is celebrated to mark the birthday of Lord Bhimsen (भिमसेन), the god of strength. On this day lord Bhimsen of Patan, Mangalbazar (back of Krishna Mandir described above) is taken out for Jatra.

We also have father's day on this month. It is known as Kushi Ausi (कुशी औसी). Mothers are considered as the image of love where as father is considered guru (teacher). All fathers are pampered this day by fruits, good food, gifts and sweets and there is massive fair celebrated in Gokarna, Kathmandu. Every person has responsibility towards their mother, teacher and nation and because every father teaches their child about their life since birth, hence fathers are pampered on this day as a thanks giving of their knowledge and support.

Another festival celebrated in this month is Hari Talika Teej (हरि तालिका  तीज) (picture 3). This is one of the important festival for Nepalese women. According to traditional belief it is considered that on this day goddess Parvati had fasted and performed puja to have lord Shiva as her husband. So, unmarried women fast on this day to wish for good husband and married women keep fasting for their husband's longer life and success. Women from different households come together and celebrate by wearing red, dancing and singing for lord Shiva in which men are not allowed. Women do not eat nor drink during this fasting, therefore daughters go to their homes and eat a feast along with their family getting ready for the fasting.

In Newari culture they celebrate CHATHA (चथा) which is celebrated by both male and females. People fry mixture of 9 grains consisting of rajma, maize, gram, wheat etc. in HAADI and eat. 

After Teej, another important occasion for women is RISHI PANCHAMI (ऋषि पंचमी) (picture 1) which falls on the next day or the day after Teej. It is mainly done to keep oneself clear of all the sins committed in the past 365 days. Women go to holy priests and chant for forgiveness of their sins. Washing and cleaning of whole body (each part) is performed 365 times, once for each day of the year.