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| GAHMA
PURNIMA |
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| Celebrated
In : The Rural Areas of Orissa |
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| Falls on :
Full moon day in the month
of Sravana (August) |
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| Also Known as
:
Go Purnima, Baladeva Puja & Baladeva
Jayanti |
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| Deity :
Baladeva |
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Time For The Festivity
The full-moon day in the month of Shravana is known as
"Gahma Purnima" or "Go Purnima". In the Hindu tradition even the animals and
plants that are beneficial to the human beings are propitiated. The cow is
regarded as mother. So, Gahma Purnima is a festival of the agriculturists to
worship the cattle. |
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A Celebration For The Farmers
Bullocks are the most important animals for an
agriculturist in India. When ploughing the field with bullocks is over the
farmers venerate them for the service they have rendered. Along with the cattle
the God of agriculture 'Baladeva' is also worshipped. The religious scriptures
testify that 'Balarama' invented the plough and showed the people all methods
of agriculture. Therefore, bullock is His vehicle and the plough, His weapon.
He has been also taken in as an incarnation of Vishnu in holy scriptures. It is
for this reason this festival is also known as "Baladeva Puja" or "Baladeva
Jayanti" in some areas. |
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| On this day the cattle shed is cleaned and
neatly plastered and sketches of bullocks, bullock carts, ploughs and other
agricultural implements are drawn on the walls. Bullocks are bathed and
decorated with flowers and sandle-paste. Their horns are oiled. The rituals of
worship take place in the cattle-shed itself for which Brahmins are not needed.
A piece of new cloth is placed on the back of the bullocks and they are fed
with rice-cakes and pulses. |
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