Lalita Panchami

The festival of Lalita Panchami is dedicated to Goddess Lalita and is observed on the ‘Panchami’ (5th day) of the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the waxing phase of moon) during the month of ‘Ashwin’ in the traditional Hindu calendar. Hindus keep a fasting on this day in the honour of their deity and this ritual is popularly known as ‘Upang Lalita Vrat’. According to the Hindu mythological stories, Goddess Lalita is one of the most important 10 Mahavidhyas. She is also referred as ‘Shodashi’ and ‘Tripura Sundari’.

Goddess Lalita is known to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga or Shakti and Lalita Panchami is therefore celebrated during the nine day Navratri festival, which is on the fifth day. It is a widespread belief that by worshipping the goddess and keeping a fast on Lalita Panchami brings happiness, knowledge and wealth. The observance of Lalita Panchami is very popular in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. In these states, Goddess Lalita is worshipped is the same manner as Goddess Chandi with puja rituals like ‘Lalita Sahasranaam’, ‘Lalitopakhyan’ and ‘Lalitatrishati’. The festival of Lalita Panchami is therefore celebrated with fervour and gaiety throughout the country.

Significance :

The religious significance of Lalita Panchami can be read in various Hindu scriptures like ‘Kalika Purana’. The worship of Goddess Lalita is considered very important and special in the Hindu culture. As per the legends it is believed that on this auspicious day Goddess Lalita appeared to defeat ‘Bhanda’, who was a demon created from Kamadeva’s ashes. Hence Lalita Panchami is celebrated as the appearance or ‘Jayanthi’ of Goddess Lalita. Goddess Lalita is an avatar of Goddess Durga and is associated with ‘Panch Mahabhutas’ (the five elements represented as earth, air, fire, water and space. In the southern region of India, Goddess Lalita is considered to be a form of Goddess Chandi. On Lalita Panchami, devotees worship the Goddess whole-heartedly and observe a strict fast in Her honour. It is believed that by merely sighting the Goddess on this day gives relief from sufferings and troubles in life. After being pleased by worship, the Goddess blesses Her devotees with contentment and happiness.

Rituals :

• Fasting is an important ritual on Lalita Panchami and is known as ‘Lalita Panchami Vrat’. by performing this sacred vrat, devotees are bestowed with immense strength and power.
• Special rituals and pujas are performed on this in honour of the Goddess. In some places, there are community puja wherein all women offer prayers together. On Lalita Panchami, along with Goddess Lalita, Hindu devotees also worship Lord Shiva and Skandamata.
• On Lalita Panchami, huge gatherings of devotees can be witnessed in Goddess Lalita’s temples. They come from far and wide to participate in the puja rituals held especially on this day. in some regions, on this day, grand fairs are also held that provides lot of zeal and enthusiasm.

On this day it is very propitious to read or recite Vedic mantras dedicated to Goddess Lalita. It is a popular belief that by doing so, all the problems in life, both personal and business related, will be immediately resolved.

2016 Date : 5th October.