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घृतक्षीरप्रदा गावो घृतयोन्यो घृतभ्रदवा ||
घृतनघो घ्राताववत्त्सिता में संतु सदा गृहे ||
India is a land of festivals. Numerous festivals are held every year to celebrate various occasions and events. One such unique festival is Bahula Chauth or Bol Chauth. The festival is celebrated as a mark of respect to the cattle, considering the important role they play for a farmer. The festival is celebrated during the auspicious month of Shraavana. Bahula Chauth is mainly celebrated by the farming community in the state of Gujarat. Bahula Chauth is celebrated with religious fervor, a day before the Nag Panchami festival.
Date:
- 2024: 22 August, 2024 [Thursday]
- 2025: 12 August, 2025 [Tuesday]
- 2026: 31 August, 2026 [Monday]
Bahula Chauth is a Hindu fasting ritual observed by married women for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. It falls on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu lunar month of Jyeshtha.
On this day, women wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and dress in traditional attire. They observe a day-long fast without consuming food or water. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon in the evening. Women offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for the prosperity and longevity of their husbands.
The rituals and customs associated with Bahula Chauth may vary slightly in different regions of India, but the essence remains the same – it is a day for married women to express their love and devotion towards their husbands through fasting and prayers.
Festivities During Bahula Chauth (बहुला चौथ उत्सव)
Bahula Chauth festival is a poise occasion for the devotees of Lord Krishna. They ensure that celebrations are carried out in its true spirit. Portraits of Lord Krishna signifying his love for the cattle are displayed and worshiped by the farming community in Gujarat. The farming community throughout Gujarat arise early in the morning on Bahula Chauth. Farmers ensure that their cattle look clean on the occasion. The sheds and the cattle alike are cleansed thoroughly on the occasion. Delicacies prepared from rice are offered to the cattle and the farmers pray for the well being of their cattle on the occasion of Bahula Chauth.
The highlight of Bahula Chauth is the moon sighting ceremony in the evening. Women break their fast only after sighting the moon. Once the moon is sighted, they offer prayers and perform rituals to conclude their fast. This moment is often celebrated with joy and festivity, as it marks the successful completion of the fast and the fulfillment of their prayers.
Bahula Chauth is also a time for families to come together and celebrate. After the fast is broken, families often enjoy a festive meal together, sharing stories and blessings. It is a time for love, togetherness, and gratitude within the family.
Rituals of Bahula Chauth (बहुला चौथ का अनुष्ठान)
The farming community consumes delicacies prepared from millets on Bahula Chauth. A special fact associated with Bahula Chauth festivities is that families usually cook under the open sky on this day. The same is then consumed in the courtyard only. The consumption of milk is prohibited on the occasion of Bahula Chauth. Any preparation made from various milk products is also not taken on the festival day.
Special prayer sessions are organized during the evenings and villagers attend Bahula Chauth recital sessions in which the village priest enthrals the gathering with various ritualistic tales associated with Bahula Chauth.
Bahula Chauth Aarti (बहुला चौथ की आरती)
आरती श्री गैय्या मैंय्या की,आरती हरनि विश्व धैय्या की।
अर्थकाम सद्धर्म प्रदायिनी,अविचल अमल मुक्तिपद्दायिनी।
सुर मानव सौभाग्या विधायिनी,प्यारी पूज्य नन्द छैय्या की॥
अखिल विश्व प्रतिपालिनी माता,मधुर अमिय दुग्धान्न प्रदाता।
रोग शोक संकट परित्राता,भवसागर हित दृढ नैय्या की॥
आयु ओज आरोग्य विकाशिनी,दुःख दैन्य दारिद्रय विनाशिनी।
सुष्मा सौख्य समृद्धि प्रकाशिनी,विमल विवेक बुद्धि दैय्या की॥
सेवक हो चाहे दुखदाई,सम पय सुधा पियावति माई।
शत्रु-मित्र सबको सुखदायी,स्नेह स्वभाव विश्व जैय्या की॥
आरती श्री गैय्या मैंय्या की,आरती हरनि विश्व धैय्या की।
ॐ जय जय गौमाता, मैया जय जय गौमाता ।
जो कोई तुमको ध्याता, त्रिभुवन सुख पाता।। मैया जय।।
सुख समृद्धि प्रदायनी, गौ की कृपा मिले।
जो करे गौ की सेवा, पल में विपत्ति टले।। मैया जय ।।
आयु ओज विकासिनी, जन जन की माई ।
शत्रु मित्र सुत जाने, सब की सुख दाई ।। मैया जय।।
सुर सौभाग्य विधायिनी, अमृती दुग्ध दियो।
अखिल विश्व नर नारी, शिव अभिषेक कियो।। मैया जय।।
ममतामयी मन भाविनी, तुम ही जग माता।
जग की पालनहारी, कामधेनु माता।। मैया जय।।
संकट रोग विनाशिनी, सुर महिमा गायी ।
गौ शाला की सेवा, संतन मन भायी।। मैया जय।।
माँ गौ की रक्षा हित, हरी अवतार लियो।
गौ पालक गौपाला, शुभ सन्देश दियो।। मैया जय।।
श्री गौमात की आरती, जो कोई सुत गावे।
“पदम्” कहत वे तरणी, भव से तर जावे।। मैया जय।।
Legend of Bahula Chauth (बहुला चौथ की कथा)
Hindu scriptures mention various tales associated with Bahula Chauth. According to one such legend, a cow by the name of Bahula was on the way home to feed her calf. The cow encountered a Lion on the way who wanted to eat her. The cow mentioned to the Lion that she was on her way home to feed her hungry calf. She promised to return to the Lion after feeding the calf.
The Lion agreed and as per her promise, the cow returned to the Lion after feeding her calf. The Lion was so moved by the commitment of the cow for her calf that he decided to let her go to her calf. The festivities are also celebrated as a mark of respect for the cattle that show not only for their calf but also for the farming community whose livelihood depends to a great extent on their cattle.
Women in some parts of Gujarat state observe Vrat or fast on the occasion to seek the blessings of the Lord on the occasion of Bahula Chauth. The festival is being celebrated from ancient days and changing times has only led to the festivities being celebrated with religious vigour and enthusiasm.
