Shrawan Sankranti, also known as Saune Sankranti, is a vibrant festival in Nepal celebrated on the first day of the month of Shrawan. This day marks the beginning of the month which is considered sacred and auspicious in Nepal. Shrawan is a time of religious and cultural importance, greenery, and special customs.
Significance of Shrawan
In Nepali tradition, the month of Shrawan is very significant. It is devoted to Lord Shiva, who is considered as the most important deity in Hinduism. Worshiping Lord Shiva during this month is said to bestow blessings, good health, and prosperity on devotees. Shiva temples are crowded with devotees, and the aroma of incense and the sound of prayers fill the air. Pashupatinath temple is where most people go during Shrawan, especially on Monday.
Celebrating Shrawan Sankranti
On Shrawan Sankranti, people engage in various rituals and traditions. Families wake up early to clean their homes and decorate their surroundings with flowers and leaves. They prepare special foods and offer prayers to deities, especially Lord Shiva. Women and girls wear green bangles, which symbolize green nature and marital bliss.
The Role of Nature
Shrawan Sankranti coincides with the monsoon season, when the rains bring life to the fields and forests. The countryside turns a vibrant green, and farmers prepare their fields for planting rice. The month is a time of rejuvenation and growth, both spiritually and agriculturally.
Cultural Traditions
Many individuals fast during Shrawan, particularly on Mondays, for worshiping Lord Shiva. At Shiva temples, devotees bring offerings of holy basil leaves, milk, and water. As people gather to celebrate, a sense of love and devotion is flowing in the air.
Significance for Women
Shrawan is especially important for women in Nepal. They adorn themselves with green bangles, apply mehendi in their hands, and dress in colorful attire. Married women pray for the well-being of their husbands and families, while unmarried girls pray for a good husband. The month is a celebration of life, fertility, and prosperity.
Shrawan Sankranti is a celebration of life, nature, and spirituality. Nepalese people gather during this time to respect their customs, reaffirm their ties to their ancestral homeland, and rejoice in the benefits of the monsoon season. Shrawan’s vivid greenery is a reflection of the people’s strong religious beliefs and the depth of Nepali culture.
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