Putrada Ekadashi

Putrada Ekadashi ("Ekadashi that is the giver of sons") is a holy day, which falls on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Pausha (December–January). This day is also known as Pausha Putrada Ekadashi, to differentiate it from the other Putrada Ekadashi in Shravana (July–August), which is also called Shravana Putrada Ekadashi.

Couples fast on this day and worship the god Vishnu for a good son. This day is especially observed by Vaishnavas, followers of Vishnu.

A son is considered entirely important in Hindu society as he takes care of the parents in their old age in life and by offering shraddha (ancestor rites) ensures the well-being of his parents in the after-life. While each Ekadashi is prescribed for certain goals, the goal of having sons is so great that two Putrada ("giver of sons") Ekadashi is devoted to it. The rest of the goals do not enjoy this privilege. It also highlights the preference to have sons instead of daughters

The Bhavishya Purana reveals the tale of Putrada Ekadashi as told by the god Krishna to the king Yudhishthira. Once, the king of Bhadravati, Suketuman, and his queen Shaibya were grieved by the absence of progeny. The couple as well as their dead ancestors were worried that without someone to offer shraddha, they will not be at peace and will become lost souls after death. Frustrated, the king left his kingdom and went to the forest unbeknownst to everyone. After wandering the forest for days, Suketuman reached the ashram of some sages on the bank of Lake Manasarovar on Putrada Ekadashi. The sages revealed that they were the ten divine Vishvadevas. They advised the king to observe the Putrada Ekadashi fast to attain a son. The king complied and returned to the kingdom. Soon, the king was blessed by a son, who grew up to become a heroic king.

Women who long for a son fast and pray to Vishnu on Putrada Ekadashi. Couples also worship the deity for the well-being of their children. Grains, beans, cereals, and certain vegetables and spices are avoided on this day. This Pausha Putrada Ekadashi is more popular in North India, while other states give more importance to the Shravana one...

 

Significance of Bhogi

 

Bhogi festival or Bhogi is the first day of Pongal and is celebrated in honor of Lord Indra, "the God of Clouds and Rains". Lord Indra is worshiped for the abundance of harvest, thereby bringing plenty and prosperity to the land. Thus, this day is also known as Indran.

On Bhogi all people clean out their homes from top to bottom and collect all unwanted goods. This day is meant for domestic activities and for being together with the family members.

Homes are cleaned and decorated with "Kolam" - floor designs drawn in the white paste of newly harvested rice with outlines of red mud. Often pumpkin flowers are set into cow-dung balls and placed among the patterns. Fresh harvest of rice, turmeric, and sugarcane are brought in from the field as preparation for the following day!

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A special puja is performed on the first day of Pongal before the cutting of paddy. Farmers worship the sun and the earth by anointing their ploughs and sickles with sandalwood paste. It is with these consecrated tools that the newly-harvested rice is cut.

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Another ritual observed on this day is Bhogi Mantalu, when useless household articles are thrown into a fire made of wood and cow-dung cakes. Girls dance around the bonfire, singing songs in praise of the gods, the spring, and the harvest. The significance of the bonfire, in which is burnt the agricultural wastes and firewood is to keep warm during the last lap of winter.

In Andhra Pradesh, this day is celebrated by girls burning their old clothes and wearing the new ones after an oil massage and bath. Then follows Pongal Panai, a ritual in which new earthenware pots are painted and decorated with turmeric, flowers, and mango leaves.

Also known as Pedda Panduga in a few states, this harvest festival is widely celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.