Dashama Vrat, a significant festival celebrated primarily in Gujarat, holds profound cultural and spiritual importance for devotees across the region. It typically falls in the Hindu month of Shravan, which is known for its auspiciousness. Dashama Vrat 2024 will start on August 4 and culminate on the 10th day, August 13. Devotees fast and perform rituals dedicated to Goddess Dashama, seeking her blessings for health, prosperity, and protection from calamities. The festival also holds significance in Maharashtra, Goa, and South India, where devotees gather and honour Goddess Dashama, also known as Momai Mata. This revered vrat spans ten days, commencing on the first day of Shravan Maas. As we celebrate Dashama Vrat 2024, here is all you need to know about the date, history, puja vidhi, significance and celebrations.

Dashama Vrat 2024 Date

Dashama Vrat 2024 will fall on August 4, and the festivities and rituals will continue for 10 days, until August 13. Devotees will celebrate the day by following various rituals, sharing Dashama Vrat wishes and greetings, and keeping auspicious fasts.

Dashama Vrat History

Legend has it that in Gujarat, King Vijay Singh and his spiritually inclined wife, Queen Roopmati, resided in the famed Jal Mahal palace. Intrigued by the rituals performed in honour of Dashama, Queen Roopmati began the vrat, much to the dismay of King Vijay Singh, who considered Dashama a deity of the less fortunate. Offended by the king's disdain, Dashama unleashed misfortune upon the kingdom, causing crops to wither and bringing calamity upon the royal family.

Facing ruin, King Vijay Singh sought solace and wisdom from his sister, who enlightened him on the consequences of disrespecting Dashama. King Vijay Singh was sent to jail by the neighbouring king. Realising his folly, the king sought redemption through sincere worship and observance of Dashama Vrat. In jail, amidst adversity, he performed the vrat with utmost devotion. Miraculously, his fortunes reversed, and he regained his kingdom's prosperity, a testament to the transformative power of faith and repentance.

Dashama Vrat Puja Vidhi and Rituals

The festival begins with devotees performing a special puja in honour of Goddess Dashama. Puja Vidhi involves the preparation of traditional offerings such as coconut, fruits, and sweets. These offerings symbolise devotion and gratitude towards the deity. Prayers are recited, and hymns are sung to invoke the blessings of Dashama. The vrat, also referred to as Dashama Na Naurta or Navaratri, is observed with reverence, with devotees paying homage to Dashama alongside Peepal Tree and Nagbai Maa.

Dashama Vrat Significance

Dashama, whose name means the Goddess of Adversity, is believed to improve the lives of devotees and alleviate hardships. Each year, worshippers seek her blessings for peace and prosperity. Families bring her idols (Murti) into their homes for worship, culminating in the immersion of the Murti into a river on the tenth day as a symbol of Dashama's departure, having fulfilled her devotees' prayers.

Dashama Vrat Celebrations

During Dashama Vrat, communities come together to organise cultural programs, processions, and fairs. These events showcase traditional dances like Garba and Raas, adding a festive charm to the celebrations. The atmosphere resonates with joy and spirituality as families and friends unite to honour Goddess Dashama and seek her divine blessings.

Dashama Vrat is not just a festival but a celebration of faith and cultural heritage in Gujarat. It exemplifies the deep-rooted traditions and beliefs that unite communities in devotion and celebration. As devotees eagerly await the arrival of Dashama Vrat 2024, they prepare to embark on a spiritual journey filled with prayers, rituals, and festive revelry, embracing the blessings and teachings of Goddess Dashama with reverence and joy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2024 10:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).