Tuesday is the fourth day of the seven-day period of Paryushan, while Eid will fall on September 10 or 11 depending on the sighting of the moon. Shravan comes to a conclusion on Wednesday.
It's very rarely witnessed, but three festivals will be celebrated this week -- Paryushan, Ramzan and Shravan.
Tuesday is the fourth day of the seven-day period of Paryushan, while Eid will fall on September 10 or 11 depending on the sighting of the moon. Shravan comes to a conclusion on Wednesday.
Thus the fasting season is on in full swing and people are participating in it with full fervour. Amdavadis do enjoy every festival with great vigour! Paryushan, which is practiced by the Jain community, a substantial number of whom live in Ahmedabad, involves an eight-day fasting period. During this period, one cannot eat anything.
"We just have boiled water, after sunrise and before sunset. Post which we are not supposed to eat or drink anything. This year, Paryushan is from September 4 to 11," said Rajyashsuriji Maharaj, a Jain religious leader. With reference to the belief and dedication of the people, Maharaj said, "It's not compulsory to fast only for eight days. Many continue fasting for 15 days or one month, depending on their fasting capacity and faith in God."
Apart from monks, students, businessmen and other household people also follow Paryushan with great faith. Says Rushabh Vora, a student: "My family and I do not fast for eight days, as it is not possible for us. However, we do follow Chauvihar, which implies that we cannot eat or drink anything after sunset. More so, we fast for one whole day on the first and last days of Paryushan."
Pallavi Darshan Shah, a resident of Manekbaug, said, "On the last day of Paryushan, we greet each other Michhami Dukdam, which means that we 'beg your pardon' if we have ever hurt you."
With respect to Shravan, housewife Naina Gandhi said: "We follow Shravan Maas and do not eat onions, garlic, green vegetables and vegetables grown underground. Youngsters today consider it as a blind belief, but in reality there are scientific reasons for refraining from such eatables. During monsoon, the growth of bacteria multiplies, which increases the chances of a person falling sick.
Moreover, the soil is dampened with dirty water. Hence, our ancestors made this as a rule in the name of religion and God, saying you become sacred if you abstain eating certain products during Shravan."
Sadiq Pathan, a follower of Ramzan, said, "We are supposed to fast till September 10, and on September 11 or 12, depending on the moon, we would celebrate Id-ul-Fitr, which is like a feast for us. We make sheer korma. We relish this sweet dish, which also consists of lots of dates, almonds and nuts."
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