This festival is mostly observed by the women folk as
most of the customs of this festivals are for the women. During this
festival, they fill their baskets with soil and atleast seven different
kinds of seeds are sowed in the soil. These seeds are regularly watered
and are given ten day's time to germinate. After ten days, the seeds
sprout as green grasses shoot out from the soil.
This festival symbolizes the flourishing harvest. These grasses are
then plucked and the women put it on their heads or behind their ears.
Subsequently, the rest of the household joins in the celebrations. These
grasses are also sent to the friends and relatives as well.
During this occasion, sisters are presented with beautiful gifts by
their brothers. These presents are known as Bhaitauli. These are
considered as token of love and are very precious to the sisters. The
young girls of the family are given some pocket money during this
occasion. It is also because of this reason that the girls wait for this
festival very eagerly, all through the year.
Another interesting custom that is related to this festival is that on
the last day of the month of Ashar, a mock wedding is arranged between
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. During this wedding, wooden images of
Shiva and Parvati are made which are then married to each other. This
festival is celebrated in the month of Shravan. It starts on the first
day of the month and continues till the 10th day.
