Celebrating faith: Festivals during the holy sawan month

Sawan, also known as Shravan, is a sacred Hindu month deeply connected with Lord Shiva.

- PRANJAL JOSHI

Devotees dedicate this month to worship and seek blessings from Lord Shiva through various rituals and prayers. The month's association with Shiva stems from the legend of Samudra Manthan, where Shiva consumed poison to save the world.

During this month, Lord Shiva drank the poison (Halahala) that emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) to save the universe. As a result, he is also known as Neelkantha, the one with a blue throat.

To commemorate this event, devotees observe fasting and perform special prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva during Sawan as this incident is believed to have occurred in the month of Shravan, leading to the month's association with Him.

HARIYALI TEEJ

Hariyali Teej celebrates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing marital love and devotion. Observed mainly by women in North India and Nepal during the monsoon, it involves fasting, prayers, and vibrant festivities.

Women dress in green, apply mehndi, and participate in songs and dance. Married women pray for their husbands' well-being, while unmarried girls seek blessings for a happy future marriage.