Gujarati Calendar 2024 July
As a proud Gujarati, I have always been fascinated by our rich culture and traditions. One of the things that I look forward to every year is the Gujarati Calendar, which is filled with numerous festivals, celebrations, and events. In this article, I will be sharing my personal experience and insights on the Gujarati Calendar 2024 July, and how we celebrate various festivals during this month.
Events and Festivals in Gujarati Calendar 2024 July
The Gujarati Calendar 2024 July is filled with numerous events and festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. Here is a list of some of the major festivals and events that are celebrated during July:
- Ratha Yatra
- Guru Purnima
- Chaturmas
- Ashadha Purnima
- Raksha Bandhan
- Nag Panchami
Ratha Yatra
Ratha Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, is celebrated on the second day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashadha. It is a grand procession where Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra are taken out in decorated chariots. The procession is accompanied by bhajans and kirtans, and people pull the chariots with great devotion and enthusiasm.
Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha. It is a day to honour and pay respect to our gurus and teachers. People visit their gurus, offer them gifts and seek their blessings. It is also a day to reflect on our spiritual journey and seek guidance from our gurus.
Chaturmas
Chaturmas is a four-month period of penance and austerities observed by Hindus. It begins on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi, which falls in July, and ends on Prabodhini Ekadashi, which falls in November. During this period, people follow strict rules such as abstaining from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and other worldly pleasures.
Ashadha Purnima
Ashadha Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha. It is also known as Guru Purnima in some parts of India. On this day, people take a holy dip in rivers and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Shiva. It is believed that taking a dip in a river on this day washes away all sins and brings good fortune.
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a rakhi, a sacred thread, on their brother’s wrist and pray for their well-being. Brothers, in turn, promise to protect their sisters from all harm. It is a day to cherish the bond between siblings and strengthen the relationship.
Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Shravan. It is a day to worship snakes and seek their blessings. People offer milk, honey, and other offerings to snake idols and seek protection from their venomous bites.
FAQs about Gujarati Calendar 2024 July
1. What is the significance of Chaturmas?
Chaturmas is a period of penance and austerities observed by Hindus. It is believed that during this period, the gods and goddesses are in a state of slumber, and hence, it is a time to reflect on our spiritual journey and seek their blessings. It is also a time to purify our body and mind and prepare for the upcoming festive season.
2. Why is Ratha Yatra celebrated?
Ratha Yatra is celebrated to commemorate the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra from the Jagannath temple to the Gundicha temple in Puri. It is believed that during this journey, Lord Jagannath visits his aunt’s house and returns after a week. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, and people pull the chariots with all their might.
3. What is the significance of Raksha Bandhan?
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is a day to cherish the relationship and strengthen the bond. Sisters tie a rakhi on their brother’s wrist and pray for their well-being, while brothers promise to protect their sisters from all harm.
Conclusion
The Gujarati Calendar 2024 July is filled with numerous festivals and events that are celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. From the grand procession of Ratha Yatra to the sacred bond of Raksha Bandhan, every festival has its own significance and meaning. It is a time to reflect on our spiritual journey, seek blessings from our gurus, and strengthen our relationships. Let us celebrate these festivals with joy and enthusiasm, and keep our culture and traditions alive.