Jai Ranchod – Makhan Chor
Ashdhi beej (અષાઢી બીજ – Ashad Shukla Dwitiya) is festival of rain, worship of Lord Krishna and New Year for Katch also. Normally monsoon picks on these days. There are many stories behind ashdhi beej. Ashdhi bij is also famous for Rathyatra (transporting deities on a chariot) at Puri (Orissa). This day celebrates with joy, colours and folk songs.
On this day, at Puri and many cities of India, organize rathyatra of Lord Krishna, sister Subhadra and brother Balram. Ahmadabad Jagannath rathyatra is very famous. In Ahmadabad, Rathyatra started in 1877, lakhs of devotees join Rathyatra. Rathyatra will be held across 130 places in Gujarat.
In Saurashtra, farmers worship and welcome rains. They made churma, khichdi, mag(green gram), kala jambu and other sweets & fruits on this day.
There are many folk songs (Chand) on ashdhi beej. Here are some photographs of Rathyatra.
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