Dashama Vrata (Gujarati:દશામા વ્રત) is an annual 10-day Hindu festival or vrata (religious vow), mainly observed in the Indian state of Gujarat and Diu.[1] This vrata is usually observed in July–August on the amavasya (new moon day) of the Hindu month of Ashadha. Many people also observe the vrata in the month of Chaitra (March). The vrata is dedicated to the goddess Dashama or Momai. The vrata is mainly observed by women for prosperity and good fortune of their family.[2]
| Dashama Vrata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Observed by | Hindus |
| Type | Hindu |
| Begins | Amavasya of Ashadha |
| Ends | 10 days after |
| 2025 date | 24 July |
| Frequency | Annual |
Vrata
editOn the amavasya (new moon day) of the Hindu month of Ashadha, devotees observe Dashama Vrata by installing a Sandhani[clarification needed] made of soil in their home. Devotees also install a murti (icon) or image of the goddess Dashama with an icon of the Hindu god Ganesha. Devotees who observe this vrata wear the Kautuka (red-coloured thread) with 10 knots on their right hand on the first day and eat once a day (ek tanu). Daily, devotees perform puja (ritual worship), arti, reads the katha (legend) and then eats prasada (food offering). Devotees also participate in jagarana, a night vigil of prayer and worship.[3] The vrata is observed for 10 days. On the last day, devotees observe the jagaran and around 4–5 AM, the murti is immersed into a water body like a river.[4][5][6] The vrata is observed for 5 years and on the fifth year, the observer is prescribed to make a Sandhani made out of silver and donate to an auspicious brahmin.[7]
Date
editThe dates of the vrata can vary as it is based on Gujarati Calendar of Vikram Samvat and observed on the amavasya of the Ashadha month. It is usually observed between July–August.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 12 August |
| 2019 | 2 August |
| 2020 | 21 July |
| 2021 | 9 August |
| 2022 | 28 July |
| 2023 | 17 July/17 August |
| 2024 | 4 August |
| 2025 | 24 July[8] |
References
edit- ^ DeshGujarat (17 July 2023). "Dashama Vrat 2023 : Story , Significance , Dates". DeshGujarat. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
- ^ "For ritual, these girls sit on floor to study". The Times of India. 28 July 2009. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
- ^ Sruthi, V. (28 July 2022). "Dashama Vrat 2022 Date Gujarat, Ritual, Significance, And More – News". Fresherslive. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
- ^ "Dashama idols left by roadside, river banks". Ahmedabad Mirror. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
- ^ "Times of India brings the Latest & Top Breaking News on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Cricket, Sports, Business, Bollywood News and Entertainment, Science, Technology, Health & Fitness news & opinions from leading columnists". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
- ^ "Photos: Dashama offerings leave Sabarmati waters murky in Ahmedabad". Hindustan Times. 3 August 2017. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
- ^ Webdunia. "Dashama Vrat Katha Gujarati – દશામાં વ્રત કથા/ દશામાની વાર્તા". gujarati.webdunia.com (in Gujarati). Retrieved 12 January 2024.
- ^ "Gujarati Calendar 2025 : Vikram Samvat Year 2081". DeshGujarat. 27 January 2008. Retrieved 7 October 2024.