According to the Hindu Panchang, Balram Jayanti is celebrated every year on the 6th day of the Krishna paksha of Bhadrapada to commemorate the birth anniversary of Balram ji, the elder brother of Lord Krishnaji. Halshashti is known by different names in different parts of the country. Like har chhath, hal chhath, pinni chhath or khamar chhath. Balramji’s main weapon is plough and muscle, so he is also called Haldhar. In his name, this holy festival is named Hal Shashti. This time the fast of Halshashti is on Saturday, 28th August. On this day, there is a ritual to feed mahua datun and mahua to mothers.
Baldau is the incarnation of Sheshnag
Balram ji was the elder brother of Lord Krishna whom we also know as Haldhar or Baldau. Many scriptures show that Balram was the incarnation of Sheshnag. According to the belief, whenever Shri Narayan has taken an avatar to establish religion, Sheshnag has also been born in some form or the other to support him. He was born as the elder brother of Sri Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu, in the Copper Age. He was born as Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Ram, in the Treta era. There is a story behind becoming Sri Krishna’s elder brother that sheshnag leaves the Ocean of Ksheer and pleads Vishnuji that this time you should make me your elder brother and give me an opportunity to serve you. Sheshnag says that if you had made me your elder brother in Ramavatar, I would never have ordered you to go to the forest. O Lord, this time please make me your elder brother.
How was Sheshnag born?
According to the legend, at Vishnuji’s behest, Sheshnag entered Devaki’s womb as the seventh son. Kansa wanted to kill this child as soon as he was born. Then God Vishnu said to Yogamaya, “Take this womb of Devaki and put it in Rohini’s womb.” At God’s behest, Yogamaya took Devaki’s womb and put it in Rohini’s womb.
Halshashti Vrat Pujan Vidhi
Mothers observe this day’s fast for the happiness and longevity of the children and newly married women also perform this fast for the attainment of children. Milk, ghee, dried fruits, red rice etc. are consumed on this day in this fast. Cow’s milk and curd should be avoided on this day. On this fast, a picture of Chhath Mata is made from buffalo dung on the wall anywhere at home or outside. After that Lord Ganesha and Mother Parvati are worshipped. Women make ponds in the house as symbols from dung, plant palash and kansi trees in it and sit there and offer prayers and listen to the story of Halshashti.