Lalita Shashthi festival is associated with the Vaishnava Sect and is dedicated to one of Gopis of Vrindavan. Lalita Sasti 2024 date is September 9. The day is of great importance to ISKCON devotees.
It is believed that married couples observing this vrat will be blessed with healthy children. Parents observe this for health, intelligence and long life of their children.
The vrat is quite similar to fast dedicated to Goddess Sashti. In some regions the fast is also known as Santan Sashti Fasting.
Krishna and Radha. Lalita Sashti is observed on the sixth day during the waxing phase of moon in Bhadrapad month.
Importance of Lalita Sasti
Lalita Sashti Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Lalita Devi, a gopika in Vrindavan. This vrat is believed to have been suggested by Sri Krishna.It is believed that married couples observing this vrat will be blessed with healthy children. Parents observe this for health, intelligence and long life of their children.
The vrat is quite similar to fast dedicated to Goddess Sashti. In some regions the fast is also known as Santan Sashti Fasting.
Who was Lalita?
Lalitha was one of the best friends of Radha. She constantly features among the eight Gopis associated with
Scholars are of the view that Lalitha who was elder to Radha was a witness to the love of Radha and Krishna . She is also described as hot-tempered.
This festival is mainly observed by ISKCON devotees. Lalita Ashtaka is chanted on the day by devotees.
How to observe Lalita Sashti Vrat?
After early morning bath, one should meditate on Ganesha.
Then prayers on the day are offered to Ganesha, Goddess Lalitha Devi, Goddess Parvati, Goddess Sashti, Karik, Shiva and Shaligram.
Coconut, rice, turmeric, sandalwood paste, gulal, flowers and milk are given as offerings to the deities. (Most people only offer flowers). In some regions a vessel made of copper is placed in the puja room.
A red thread or mauli is kept in the puja area. After prayers this is worn on the right hand.
Fast is from sunrise to next day sunrise. A single meal is taken on the day. Working women, those studying and having medical problems should not fast. They should only offer prayers.
The fast is broken next day morning after offering prayers. A fruit that is offered to the deities is distributed as Prasad.
Lalita Sashti Vrat is observed during the shukla paksha Sashti or the sixth day during the waxing phase of moon.