In
Hinduism, the month of Bhadrapada is dedicated to god
Vishnu, with the devotees practicing various rituals to seek his blessings. People usually observe fasting on Saturdays,
Ekadashi (eleventh day)
thithi, and
Purnima (
full moon) of the month and do
pujas.
Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi is a
Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of god
Ganesha. It is observed on the
Chaturthi (fourth day) thithi of
Shukla Paksha (
waning moon). The festival is marked by the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals, daily prayers, offerings (including
modak), and devotional singing. The festival culminates on
Anant Chaturdashi, celebrated on the
Chaturdashi thithi, ten days after Chaturthi. On this day, the idols are immersed in a body of water (visarjan) symbolising his return to his heavenly abode.
Janmashtami and Radhastami As per the
Purnimanta tradition of the
Hindu lunar calendar, god
Krishna was born on the
Ashtami (eighth day) thithi of
Krishna Paksha (
waxing moon) of Bhadrapada. Krishna's consort
Radha was born on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha of the same month, and
Radhastami is celebrated to commemorate the same.
Onam Onam is a multi-day
harvest festival celebrated in
Kerala. It is associated with the legend of king
Mahabali, who once ruled Kerala, returning each year to visit his people. The festival consists of various traditions such as floral
rangolis (Pookolam), boat races and a grand feast (sadya).
Pitru Paksha The dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the month is reserved for the
veneration of the dead. During the period known as
Pitru Paksha, Hindus pay homage to their ancestors through special offerings.
Others Karam is a harvest festival celebrated by certain tribes in the
Eastern Indian states of
Jharkhand,
Odisha, and
West Bengal. During the festivities, people plant new seedlings, and worship the Karam tree for a good harvest, followed by community singing and feast.
Kush Amavasya is observed on the
new moon day of the month, during which people collect sacred grass (kusha) which is used in various Hindu rituals.
Madhu Purnima is a
Buddhist festival observed on the
full moon day (Purnima) of the month, during which people perform charity and give offerings to monastries.
Rishi Panchami is celebrated on the
Panchami (fifth day) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month, and the festival honours the
Saptarishi (seven sages) and involves ritual bathing, fasting, and prayers by women for the welfare and longevity of their families. == See also ==