Ajaa Ekadashi/World Suicide Prevention Day | अजा एकादशी व्रत/विश्व आत्महत्या रोकथाम दिवस | 2080 Bhadra 24 | Hamro Patro

Ajaa Ekadashi/World Suicide Prevention Day

When is Aja Ekadashi?
Two days after Krishna Janaasthami, Aja Ekadashi falls every year. Aja Ekadashi is also known and addresses as Kamika Ekadashi and Anand Ekadashi however, Aja is more popular. In this month of Shrawan, auspicious Aja Ekadashi is entirely dedicated to Lord Vishnu and goddesses Laxmi.

The eleventh day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada of each year is called "Aja Ekadashi". This day is celebrated as a fast and festival by the followers of Sanatan Dharma living in different countries including Nepal and India.

Aja Ekadashi Bratkatha
According to the scriptures, Chakravarti King Harishchandra had regained his lost family and kingdom by fasting on this day. King Harishchandra of ancient times could not pay the price of his deeds and gave up all his kingdom and wealth and made himself and his family slaves of King Chandal.

After spending many years as a slave, truth-teller Harish Chandra became very worried about his condition. At that time, to relieve his worries, he met a sage Gautam. After Harish Chandra expressed his concern to Sage Gautam, Sage Gautam asked him to fast on Ekadashi called Aja of Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha. The king then regained his family and kingdom after he observed fasting on this Ekadashi. From that time onwards, it has been believed that fasting in full observance of the rules and regulations of this Ekadashi will destroy all kinds of sins. Aja Ekadashi is the third Ekadashi under Chaturmas. On this Ekadashi day, like other Ekadashis, one should follow the rules and methods of fasting and worship Lord Srihari in the form of Rishikesh.

Rishikesh of Lord Harihari is the land given to sages by Lord Vishnu to protect them from the misery and suffering of demons, where Lord Vishnu himself is present with his divine power. While fasting on this day with a pure mind, Lord Vishnu delivers from all sorrows and it is believed that the fruit of Ashwamedha Yajna will be obtained only by hearing the story of this Ekadashi.
Best wishes

World Suicide Prevention Day 2023

“Creating hope Through Action” is the triennial theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023. This theme serves as a powerful call to action and reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that through our actions we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention.

An estimated 703,000 people a year take their life around the world. For every suicide, there are likely 20 other people making a suicide attempt and many more have serious thoughts of suicide. Millions of people suffer intense grief or are otherwise profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviours.
Each suicidal death is a public health concern with a profound impact on those around them. By raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide, and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world.

 Background
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The 10th of September each year focuses attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organizations, government, and the public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.

“Creating hope through action” is the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021 - 2023. This theme is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us.

By creating hope through action, we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we care and want to support them. It also suggests that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling. Lastly, it highlights the importance of setting suicide prevention as a priority public health agenda by countries, particularly where access to mental health services and availability of evidence-based interventions are already low. Building on this theme and spreading this message over the three years, a world can be envisioned where suicides are not so prevalent.
Aja Ekadashi: Lord Vishnu in the form of Risikesh

Suyog Dhakal