Balaram Jayanti 2022: Date, time and significance of the festival

Balaram Jayanti is celebrated in dedication to Lord Balaram, Lord Krishna's elder brother. He is known to be one of Lord Vishnu's principal avatars. He is well known for his strength and plow (Hala), in relation to his strong relationship with farming and other agricultural activities. He is also known as Baladeva and Sankarshana.

Lord Balaram was born on sashti or the sixth day Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapada and Balaram Jayanti which marks Baladeva's birth anniversary. It will be celebrated today, 17th August, 2022. Hal Shashti is celebrated six days after the Shravan Purnima or Raksha Bandhan.

Devotees fast on Hal Sashti and celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm and gaiety.

It is known as different names in different regions of India, In Gujarat, Balaram Jayanti is known as Randhan Chhath, but people in Braj call it Baladeva Chhath. It is also referred to as Chandra Sashti, in other parts of northern India.

Puja Timings

According to the Drik Panchang, the Shashti Tithi began at 8:17 pm on 16th August, Tuesday and is all set to end at 8:20 pm on 17th August, 2022. The Hal Sashti Vrat, refers to the fasting done by devotees as a prayer to the God of Agriculture for a bountiful harvest and future prosperity.

Significance and History

Lord Balaram is worshipped on this day in the form of 'Adishesha', the serpent on which Lord Vishnu rests. Hal Sashti is observed to pay obeisance to both God and the scared tools used for agriculture. Farming communities celebrate the day by holding the Lalahi Chhath Puja.

Celebration

Women keep a day long fast and refrain from eating anything. People don't even consume cow milk, the only thing people are allowed to consume as part of the day long fast is buffalo milk. People also pray for a good harvest, while many people believe that praying to Lord Balaram on a full moon day gives them the strength to over come all their hurdles and problems. Special meals are also prepared and offered to the deity.

Temples in Ganjam, Puri and Punjab are famous for hosting grand Balaram Jayanti celebrations.