Vaishakha Poornima is another auspicious Hindu vrat celebrated by devotees all over India. On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu. Etymologically, Vaishakha Poornima means the full moon day that occurs in the Vaishakha month which coincides with April-May of English calendar.
Usually, Poornima or full-moon day is celebrated every month as it is believed to be a holy day in Hindu religion.
How it is celebrated?
On this day, devotees wake up early and take a dip in a holy river. They then offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. Observing day-long Vaishakha fast or Satyanarayan fast is considered auspicious on this day. Devotees also recite and listen to Satyanarayan Katha. While performing the Satyanarayan puja, devotees must offer sandalwood paste, supari, fruits, flowers, banana leaves to please Lord Vishnu. The evening of Vaishakha Poornima ends with devotees offering araghya and prayers to Lord Vishnu.
It is also said that performing charity is auspicious on this day. Devotees who observe the Vaishakha fast and worship Lord Vishnu are blessed with happiness and prosperity.
What is the significance of Vaishakha Poornima?
According to Hindu Mythology, Vaishakha month is the second month while Chaitra is the first month and the beginning of a year in Hindu lunar calendar. That is why celebrating Vaishkha Poornima is significant. On this day, devotees are blessed with abundance, happiness and peace.
Watching the festival from the feminist lens
The festival of Vaishakha Poornima is one among many Hindu vrats and festivals that uphold the importance of a normal day in a human’s life. Although the vrat doesn’t include any patriarchal assumptions, Hindu families perceive religious duties and vrats as the responsibility of a woman. To unlearn these gender roles, it is important to read more about the myths and festivals, know about their gender-neutral origins and believe in them because we find it empowering and not because the society wants us to by turning deaf ears to their regressive customs. In other words, celebrate every festival because they embody happiness, togetherness and devotion but stop practicing its regressive rituals.
This year, Vaishakha Poornima Vrat is on May 26, 2021, Wednesday. Find the dates and days of all the Hindu vrats and festivals here.
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