Bala Chaturdashi Barta/Shatbij chharne din

Today, Mangsir Krishna Chartudashi or Bala Chartudashi and today is considered as a very important day for the salvation journey of the deceased members of family and society.

What happens on Bala Chaturdashi ?
Today, various Shakti Peeths and Triveni Dhams in Nepal and India are crowded with pilgrims scattering Shatbij. Shatavbij means seven types of grains to be sown in religious forests such as Kailash Danda, Shleshmantak forest, and other forests for ancestral salvation.

To sow the Shatbij, one day before Chartudashi, that is, on the day of Triodashi, it is customary to stay awake at night, light the lamp, and chant hymns without blinking one's eyes. It is believed that the seeds scattered in the world will be germinated in another world of the deceased ancestors and they will never go hungry due to these reasons.

Special fairs are held at Pashupatinath of Kathmandu and surrounding Kirateshwar, Gaurighat, Guheshwari, coast of Aryaghat, Shleshamantak forest including Chatara, Barahkshetra of Eastern Nepal, Setiveni Dham of Parbat district, Chakreshwar temple of Gulmi Santipur, Devghat Dham of Nawalparasi, Kshireshwar of Dhanusha and Shivalayas and
Triveni Dhams. However, the prevalence of COVID might have adverse impacts upon these pilgrimages.

The most interesting context today is related to the idol of Ganesha next to the Pashupati Vishwarupa temple. The idol of Ganesha is considered as a symbol of the deaf ear and therefore the devotees try to make the idol hear by shouting, yelling, and shaking loudly.

Happy Bala Chartudashi to all of us, may the departed souls have eternal peace, and may our friendship be maintained. Until then, use Hamro Patro, the most downloaded mobile application in Nepal and the most liked by Nepalis.

Suyog Dhakal