Chaturmas begins on Tuesday, July 8th 2014

Ahmedabad, 7 July, 2014

Holy Chaturmas period of Gujarati Hindus will begin from Tuesday, July 8th. Gujarati Hindus observe highest number of vrats, and celebrate more festivals (from Gauri vrat to Dev Diwali) than any other period of Gujarati Hindu calendar year during these four months of Chaturmas.

As per ancient belief among Hindus, Bhagwan Vishnu stays in Pataal(beneath the surface of earth) for four months, right at the gate of Bali Raja’s palace, and returns only on Dev Diwali(Karatk Sud Agiyaras).

Less consumption(of food) and more devotion(to god) is considered advisable in four months of Chaturmas.

Jain monks who otherwise don’t stay at same place for more than a week, are advised to spend four month at one place only during Chaturmas.

Guru Purnima, Raksha Bandhan, Shitla Satam, Janmashtami, Ganesh Utsav, Navratri, Diwali and finally Dev Diwali festivals are celebrated during Chaurmas.

Most of the Gujarati Hindus don’t organize wedding and other auspicious occasions during four months of Chaturmas.