Significance: Marks the beginning of the Kalpavas (month-long spiritual austerity) at the banks of sacred rivers. Spiritual Importance: Devotees bathe in holy rivers, perform charity, and meditate. It is believed to prepare the body and soul for greater spiritual practices during the festival. Rituals: Taking a dip in the river at sunrise, offering prayers to the Sun God, and beginning of rituals for purification.
Significance: Marks the start of the Sun’s northward journey (Uttarayana) and the end of the winter solstice. Spiritual Importance: A highly auspicious day for performing a Shahi Snan, as the Sun is said to purify the holy rivers. Rituals: Devotees offer water to the Sun God, donate food, and bathe in sacred rivers to purify their soul.
Significance: Associated with practicing silence (Mauna) and meditating for inner peace and spiritual growth. Spiritual Importance: It is believed that Lord Manu, the progenitor of humanity, meditated on this day. Bathing in holy rivers on this day is said to cleanse all sins and grant blessings. Rituals: Observing silence, taking a sacred dip, and performing rituals to honor ancestors (Pitra Tarpan).
Significance: Marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom and learning. Spiritual Importance: Bathing on this day is believed to invoke divine blessings for knowledge and clarity of thought. Rituals: Wearing yellow clothes, offering prayers to Saraswati, and participating in Shahi Snan with joyous celebrations.
Significance: Celebrates the Sun God, marking the transition into spring. Spiritual Importance: Taking a sacred bath on this day symbolizes the cleansing of past karma and the beginning of a prosperous journey. Rituals: Worship of Surya (Sun God), offering water to the Sun, and taking a dip at sunrise.
Significance: Concludes the month-long Kalpavas and is considered highly auspicious for charity and spiritual practices. Spiritual Importance: Bathing on this day is said to fulfill wishes and bring peace to the departed souls. Rituals: Devotees take a sacred dip, perform charitable acts, and offer prayers to ancestors and deities.
Significance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is believed that bathing on this day grants spiritual liberation. Spiritual Importance: A holy dip followed by worship of Lord Shiva is said to bestow blessings and remove negative influences. Rituals: Nightlong vigils, offering milk and Bilva leaves to Shiva Lingams, and bathing to purify oneself.