Balendu Pooja is the worship of the moon after the no moon
day or Amavasya. It is observed on the first day during the waxing phase of
moon or Shukla Paksha Pratipada. Balendu Puja is held every month in some
regions. It involves praying and making offerings to Chandra, the moon god.
‘Balendu’ means the ascending moon.
Devotees offer prayers to Chandra or moon god on the day at
moonrise time. They offer curd, white sweet and white flowers. The food items
are later shared with family members, friends and neighbors.
Making food donation on the day to orphans and poor elderly
people is considered highly meritorious.