Kumar Sashti

Kumar Sashti also known as �Skanda Sashti� is an important Hindu festival that is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, who is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Kartikeya is worshipped by different names like �Kumar�, �Muruga�, �Subramanya� and therefore the name �Kumar Sashti�. Kumar Sashti is observed on the �sashti� (6th day) during the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of moon) in the month of �Ashadh� in the Hindu calendar. As per the Hindu legends it is believed that on this auspicious day, Lord Kartikeya appeared on Earth to defeat the demon named, �Adharma�. From them onwards, this day is celebrated as Kumar Sashti and Lord Kartikeya is worshipped with complete devotion and affection.

Kumar Sashti is observed with great reverence in different parts of India. In the southern parts of the country, this festival is celebrated during �Vaikasi Visakam� that corresponds to the months of May or June while in the western regions, it falls between the months of July-August. There are many temples dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, all throughout South India. The festivities of Kumar Sashti are not just confined to India, but also in the neighbouring countries like Nepal. In Nepal, there are various temples dedicated to Lord Kartikeya and special rituals are observed on this day. It is to be noted that the birth celebrations of Lord Kartikeya may vary in different cultures, but the essence remains the same.

Significance :

The importance of Kumar Sashti is explained in the �Skanda Purana�. Kumar Sashti celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Kartikeya and is also referred as �Kumar Jayanti�. According to the Hindu mythological facts Lord Kartikeya is the General of the Army of the Devas and also known to be the destroyer of demons. Hindu devotees therefore worship Lord Kartikeya and seek His blessings to destroy all the evils from their lives. By observing the Kumar Sashti vrat, devotees can put an end to all their miseries and also fulfil their desires.

Rituals :

• Devotees worship Lord Kartikeya on this day with complete devotion. Special offerings are made to the Lord in the form of sandalwood paste, kumkum, incense sticks, dhoop, flowers and fruits.
• Chanting �Skanda Shashti Kavacham�, �Subramaniya Bhujangam� or �Subrahmanya Purana� is believed to be very auspicious on this day. Devotees must also read stories or tales dedicated to Lord Murugan.
• In some regions Hindu devotees draw a circle in the front area of their house, using cow dung and red clay.
• Devotees also observe a strict fast on this day. They abstain from eating or drinking anything right from the time they get up until they visit Lord Kartikeya temple in the evening. Only after offering prayers to the Lord, the vrat is broken. Few devotees take one meal during the noon while some take at night.
• Special pujas and �aarti� are performed in the temples. Devotees pray to Lord Kumara to free them from all demonic qualities and also seek His blessings to remain healthy mentally and spiritually.

2016 Date : 9th July.