Yamuna Chhath/Yamuna Jayanthi

Yamuna Chhath also known as ‘Yamuna Jayanti’ is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. This festival is observed with great pomp and show in the city of Mathura and Vrindavan. The auspicious day of Yamuna Chhath commemorates the decent of Goddess Yamuna on Earth and is therefore celebrated as the birth anniversary of Goddess Yamuna. It is observed on the ‘Sashthi’ (6th day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) during the Hindu month of ‘Chaitra’. In the English calendar, it falls during the month of February-March. The festival of Yamuna Chhath falls during the celebrations of the Chaitra Navratri on the sixth day.

River Yamuna is the largest tributary of River Ganga in northern Indi. The river originates from the Yamunotri Glaciers located on the south-western slopes of the Banderpooch peaks of the Great Himalayas, in the state of Uttarakhand. River Yamuna covers a distance of nearly 1,300 kilometres before merging with the Holy Ganga River at the Triveni Sangam, in Allahabad. This place is the chosen venue for the renowned ‘Kumbha Mela’ that is held every twelve years. The festival of Yamuna Chhath is observed majorly in north Indian states, especially the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is observed with great devotion by men and women alike. People worship Goddess Yamuna on this day and ask for happiness and prosperity in their lives.

Significance of Yamuna Chhath:

In the Hindu mythology, Goddess Yamuna is known to be the consort of Lord Krishna. For this reason She is highly revered by the people of Braj and Yamuna Chhath is therefore celebrated with immense fervour and enthusiasm by the people of Vrindavan and Mathura. In India, River Yamuna is considered to be a sacred river along with Ganga, Godavari, Brahmaputra and Saraswati. As per the story in the Hindu mythology, it is believed that River Yamuna descended on Earth during the ‘Sashthi’ of the Chaitra month. Since then this day is celebrated every year as the birth anniversary of Yamuna.

Rituals during Yamuna Chhath:

• On the auspicious day of Yamuna Chhath, devotees get up before dawn and take a spiritual bath in the Yamuna River both during sun rise and sunset. It is believed that on bathing in the Yamuna River on this day, the devotees can purify their soul and also attain eternal joy and love. The Ghats are cleaned for this occasion and the sound of crackers is a common occurrence.
• Special puja is offered to Goddess Yamuna on this day at specific ‘muhurat’ based on the astronomical calculations. As Goddess Yamuna is known to be the companion of Sri Krishna, the devotees also worship Lord Krishna on this day.
• Devotees also observe a strict fast on the day of Yamuna Chhath. They do not drink or eat anything for the period of 24-hours. The fast is broken on the next day after completing the morning puja rituals.
• Special food offerings known as ‘naivedyam’ are prepared for offering to the Goddess. After finishing the puja, food is donated to the Brahmins and the Prasad is distributed among friends and relatives.

2016 Date : 12th April, Tuesday.