Holiday Name: | Rishi Panchami |
Observedby: | Hindus |
Date: | Fifth day (Panchami) of the month of Bhadrapada month of the Lunar calendar |
Observances: | Veneration of the seven sages, fasting, prayer |
Type: | Hindu |
Longtype: | Religious, India and Nepal |
Date2022: | 01 September 2022 |
Rishi Panchami is a Hindu observance held on the fifth day of the month of Bhadrapada of the Lunar calendar, the next day after Ganesh Chaturthi. It involves the traditional worship of the Saptarishi, a group of the seven most prominent sages – Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadvaja, Vishvamitra, Gautama Maharishi, Jamadagni, and Vasishtha.[1] In some parts of Kerala, the day is also observed as Vishvakarma Puja.
On this occasion, the seven sages and the wife of Vasishtha, Arundhati, are venerated with a betel leaf, flowers, camphor, and a lamp. Women are prescribed undertake a fast in the observance of this vrata,[2] but men are also allowed to fast for the welfare of their wives. Brahmins are offered dakshina by adherents on this occasion, believed to be favourable in the veneration of the seven sages.[3] Maheshwari Community celebrate this day as Raksha Bandhan