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August 24, 2024 12:00 am
Rekha Panchami is a traditional Hindu festival primarily observed by women in some regions of India, particularly in Odisha and parts of eastern India. It falls on the Panchami (fifth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). This festival holds special significance in the context of familial bonds, particularly between sisters-in-law (referred to as ‘Rekha’ in Odia).
The festival is rooted in the story of Goddess Lakshmi and her sister Sudarshana. According to legend, Sudarshana was married into a family where she received immense love and respect from her sisters-in-law. In gratitude, Sudarshana would observe a fast and pray for the well-being and prosperity of her sisters-in-law. Over time, this observance evolved into the Rekha Panchami festival, where women fast and pray for the longevity and prosperity of their brothers and their wives.
On Rekha Panchami, women wake up early and observe a strict fast. They abstain from consuming food and water until they perform the necessary rituals. The fasting women visit a nearby pond or riverbank in the morning. They offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, seeking their blessings for the well-being of their brothers and sisters-in-law.
After the prayers, the women draw or ‘rekha’ (line) with turmeric paste on the ground, symbolizing the auspiciousness and purity of the occasion. They then break their fast by consuming a meal that typically includes fruits, sweets, and other traditional delicacies.
The festival promotes harmony and strengthens familial bonds, especially between sisters-in-law. It is considered auspicious for sisters-in-law to exchange gifts and seek each other’s blessings on this day. The festival also serves as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect and love within extended families.
In some regions, Rekha Panchami is also associated with agricultural rituals, where farmers pray for a good harvest and perform ceremonies to invoke blessings for the prosperity of their crops.
Overall, Rekha Panchami is a heartfelt celebration that highlights the significance of familial relationships, particularly between sisters-in-law, and reinforces the values of love, respect, and unity within extended families in the cultural tapestry of India.
