Hal Shashti It is observed for the long life of children

The Krishna Paksha Shashti of Bhadrapada month is celebrated as Hal Shashti. Observing a fast and worshipping Goddess Shashti, Balram Ji, Krishna Ji, and Surya Dev on this day is considered auspicious. Married women primarily observe this fast for the welfare of the family or if they have a son or if they desire a child. Havans and Anushthans are organized in temples. Hal Shashti is celebrated with great pomp and show.

Other names of Hal Shashti

Hal Shashti is known by different names in different parts of the country. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Rajasthan and North India. In these parts of the country, it is also called, Balram Jayanti, Lalhi Chhat, Baldev Chhat, Randhan Chhat, Hal Chhat, Har Chhat, Teen Chhati, Teen Chhat, etc.

Balram Ji was the elder brother of Shri Krishna who originated from Rukmani. He is also considered as the part of Nagraj Anant. Several stories on his powers are found in the scriptures. He was also proficient in Gada Yudh.

Balram Ji was born on Hal Shashti

As per Hindu Shastras, Balram was the elder brother of Shri Krishna. He is also known as Balbhadra and an Avatar of Sheshnag. Balaram was born in Yadukul.

When Kansa got his sister Devaki married to Yadhuvanshi Vasudev, an Akaash Vani occurred. As per the Akaash Vani Kansa came to know that the eighth son of the couple will become the reason for his death. Hearing this, he put his sister and Vasudev in prison and killed their six sons as soon as they were born.

The seventh son was however born in the womb of Rohini with the help of Yoga Maya as an incarnation of Sheshnaag in the form of Balram.

Hal Shashti Krishak Divas

The earth is worshipped on this day. Farmers worship the tools that they use for farming. Plough the main tool of agriculture is worshipped on this day. This Shashti is known as Hal Shashti. Plough was Balram’s weapon, that's why this festival is called Hal Shashti.

Hal Shashti Puja Vidhi

On the day of Hal Shashti, the devotee should take a bath early in the morning and then give Arghya to the Sun. After that, all the preparations for the fast start. Havan is also performed on this day. In Shashti Puja, Suhaag Samagri, clothes, Dhoop, fruits, flowers, etc. are used. Balbhadra and Lord Krishna are worshipped. Surya Dev is also worshipped on this day. Fast and Puja performed on this day brings welfare and happiness in the family.

Important facts about Hal Shashti

On this day, Plough the main agricultural tool is mainly worshipped. In the eastern parts of the country, it is called Lalai Chhat. Fruits and grains harvested with the help of a plough are worshipped on this day. Milk and curd made from buffalo's milk are used on this day. Cow’s milk is not used on this day.

Hal Shashti Katha

Along with observing fast, listening and reading Hal Shashti Katha on this day is considered auspicious. The following is the Katha behind Hal Shashti - In ancient times, there lived a Gwalan who used to sell milk and curd for her livelihood. She used to live happily with her husband.

One day she got pregnant. Nevertheless, she went on selling milk and curd. But as the time of delivery came closer, it became more and more difficult for her to walk to the market to sell milk and curd.

One such day, she decided to sell milk and curd in spite of severe pain. However, the pain became unbearable and she gave birth to a son in the middle of a farm. She decides to leave the child wrapped in a cloth in the farm and sell the milk and curd.

The day the child was born happened to be Hal Shashti. She traveled to the market to sell the milk of both her cow and her buffalo. Being Hal Shashti the customers denied taking the cow’s milk. She got greedy and lied to them.

She sold both the milk as buffalo’s milk. When she returns back, to her total dismay she sees a farmer ploughing the same farm in which she had left her child. The child dies instantly on one stroke of the plough. Seeing this the Gwalan starts crying and asks the Lord why she has lost her child.

Then suddenly she realises that she has been punished as she lied to her customers and sold cow milk as buffalo’s milk. She realises her mistake, goes back to her customers and apologises. After this, when she returns to the farm she sees her child alive. She thanks God and decides to observe Hal Shashti fast every year. She then lives happily with her family.