Chaitra Maas The Month of Divine Festivals
Chaitra Maas is the 1st lunar month in Hindu calendar. In Hindu Calendar, there are two methods to mark the lunar month. In one, lunar month is marked from Purnima to Purnima (known as Purnimanta calendar) and in other lunar month is marked from Amavasya to Amavasya (known as Amanta calendar).
Chaitra Month, is the first month in the traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India. This calendar is followed mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh. The traditional Hindi New Year is celebrated on the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (on the first day of the bright or waxing phase of moon in Chaitra Month).
Chaitra maas also known as Madhu maasam ,Madhu means honey and Chaitra maasam is as sweet as honey. In Bhagawadgeeta, Vibhoothi Yoga (canto#10 sloka#35) Bhagvan Shree Krishna says that He is the Vasant Rutu among the seasons.
It is so auspicious that it is the month when Bhagvan Brahma had commenced the creation and to commemorate that day we celebrate Ugaadi festival. Chaitra maas is the sacred month in which Maryaada Purushottama; Bhagvan Shree Ram was born on the 9th day of bright fortnight that is celebrated as Shri Raam Navami It is the sacred month in which Bhagvan Vishnu incarnated as Matsyaavatar (Giant Fish) the very first among the Dashaavtar and restored the lost Vedas that day is celebrated as Matsya Jayanti.
this is month when Sun God transits into first house of the zodiac viz. Aries (Mesha Raasi) where Sun gets exalted. That day known as Mesha Sankranti is celebrated as Vishu festival in some parts of South India. Chaitra maas is the sacred month in which the Hanuman ji was born that is celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti on the full Moon day.
Like we celebrate Devi Navaratri during Aaso Month known as Sharadiya Navratri ,which falls in September- October, a nine day festival known as Vasant Navaratri is celebrated during Chaitra maas starting from Ugaadi day during Uttaraayana. During this nine day p mata Durga is worshiped ( please read Navratri Article in website)
Udakakumbha daana
Udaka means water, Kumbha means pot. Giving charity of water stored in a pot made up of Copper, Silver, or at least earthen pot (made up of mud) covered with a new cloth to a needy during this period is said to be very sacred and highly punyadayi.
Yesha DharmaGhato Dhattoh Brahma Vishnu Sivathmaka
Asya Pradhanathsakalam mamasanthu manoratha
Meaning: This water pot called Dharma Ghata signifying the Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva bring unto me fulfillment of all desires.
Taking bath in sacred rivers, arranging of water and shelter to the travelers and people walking in the Sun, Anna Daana (food) to the hungry and needy are some of the maasa dharma prescribed during Chaitra Mass.
List of Chaitra MaasFestivals
1-Navratri Ghatasthapana – Wednesday-22-03-2023 Ghatasthapana is one of the significant rituals during Chaitra Navratri. It marks the beginning of nine days festivity.(read article in website bolg)
2-Ugadi – Wednesday 22-03-2023 Ugadi marks the beginning of the New Year according to the lunisolar calendar. This festival is also known as Yugadi.
3-Gudi Padwa – Wednesday-22-03-2023 Gudi Padwa or Samvatsar Padvo is celebrated as the first day of the year by Maharashtrians and Konkanis.
4-Rama Navami – Thursday-30-03-2023 On Rama Navami day Hindus celebrate the birth of Bhagvan shri Ram. On this day Bhagvan shree Ram was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya. light 1 0r 11 Lampfront of your house , for wellbeing of human and get happiness in life.
5-Kamada Ekadashi – Saturday-01-04-2023 Kamada Ekadashi is one of the twenty four Ekadashi vrats which are observed to seek blessing of Bhagvan Vishnu.
6-Hanuman Jayanti – Wednesday-05-04-2022 Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman