When is Bach Baras in 2021?

Introduction

Bach Baras, also known as the "Birthday of Lord Vishnu," is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrated annually to commemorate the birth of Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in the Hindu pantheon. Lord Vishnu is revered as the preserver and protector of the universe. Bach Baras is widely celebrated across India, and in 2021, it falls on Sunday, August 29th.

Date and Time of Bach Baras 2021

• Date: Sunday, August 29th, 2021
• Madhyahna Kaal Puja Timing: 11:44 AM to 1:11 PM (Duration: 1 hour 27 mins)

Rituals and Traditions of Bach Baras

Bach Baras is observed with great fervor and devotion, marked by a range of rituals and traditions:

1. Puja (Worship): Devotees offer prayers and perform special pujas to Lord Vishnu, seeking his blessings and protection. Temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu become hubs of activity during Bach Baras, as devotees throng to offer their obeisance. Elaborate rituals, such as abhishekam (bathing the deity with holy water), aarti (waving lamps before the deity), and bhajans (devotional songs), form an integral part of the puja.

   

2. Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast on Bach Baras, abstaining from food and water during the day. The fast is broken after the Madhyahna Kaal Puja, typically around midday.

3. Bhagavad Gita Recitation: Reading or reciting the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, is considered highly auspicious on Bach Baras. Devotees believe that reading the Gita on this day brings spiritual enlightenment and blessings from Lord Vishnu.

   

4. Feasting: Following the puja and fasting, families and communities gather for festive meals. Traditional delicacies, such as puri, kheer, and halwa, are prepared and shared, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

   

5. Donations and Charity: Bach Baras is also a time for giving and charity. Devotees donate food, clothing, and money to the needy and underprivileged, seeking Lord Vishnu's blessings and grace.

Why is Bach Baras Celebrated?

Bach Baras holds profound significance in Hindu mythology and tradition:

• Birth of Lord Vishnu: Bach Baras commemorates the birth of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu was born on this day during the Dwapara Yuga, the fourth and final age of the Hindu cycle of time.

• Renewal and Rejuvenation: Bach Baras symbolizes renewal and rejuvenation. It is believed that Lord Vishnu's birth marks the beginning of a new cycle of creation, bringing hope and prosperity to the world.

• Victory of Good over Evil: The festival also represents the triumph of good over evil. Lord Vishnu is revered as the protector of Dharma (righteousness) and the destroyer of evil forces. Bach Baras is seen as a time when good prevails and darkness is dispelled.

Festivals Associated with Bach Baras

Bach Baras is often associated with other festivals and observances:

• Gokulashtami (Krishna Janmashtami): Gokulashtami, which falls a few days before Bach Baras, celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

• Radhashtami: Radhashtami, which occurs a few days after Bach Baras, honors Radha, the beloved consort of Lord Krishna. Together, Bach Baras, Gokulashtami, and Radhashtami form a trio of significant festivals dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his divine companions.

• Pitru Paksha: Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period following Bach Baras, is dedicated to honoring and paying homage to deceased ancestors. During this time, Hindus perform rituals and offerings to their departed loved ones, seeking their blessings and liberation.

  

Benefits of Celebrating Bach Baras

Devotees believe that celebrating Bach Baras brings numerous benefits, including:

• Divine Blessings: Offering prayers and performing rituals on Bach Baras is said to invoke Lord Vishnu's blessings, bringing prosperity, happiness, and protection to devotees.

• Spiritual Growth: Reading the Bhagavad Gita and engaging in spiritual practices on this day is believed to promote spiritual growth and self-realization.

• Renewal and Purification: Bach Baras is seen as an auspicious time for cleansing and purification, both physically and spiritually. Devotees often bathe in holy rivers or perform special rituals to cleanse themselves of sins and negative energies.

• Strengthening Community Bonds: Bach Baras is a time for families and communities to come together, celebrate, and share festive meals. This strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of unity and belonging.

• Gaining Favorable Karmas: Performing good deeds, such as donating to charity and helping others, on Bach Baras is believed to accumulate positive karmas and bring favorable results in the future.

Conclusion

Bach Baras is a highly significant festival in the Hindu calendar, celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm across India. It is a time to honor Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe, and to seek his blessings for prosperity, happiness, and spiritual growth. The festival also serves as a reminder of the triumph of good over evil and the importance of renewal and rejuvenation. By observing the rituals and traditions associated with Bach Baras, devotees aim to cultivate a deep connection with the divine and enhance their spiritual journey.