Bahula Chaturthi, also known as Bol Choth or Bahula Chauth, is a lesser-known yet significant Hindu festival observed primarily in the northern regions of India. It falls on the fourth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha Chaturthi) of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September in the Gregorian calendar). This festival is particularly dedicated to the worship of cows, which are considered sacred and symbolize motherhood, nourishment, and the nurturing aspects of life in Hindu culture.
Significance of Bahula Chaturthi
The festival of Bahula Chaturthi holds deep religious and cultural significance. The observance is primarily undertaken by women, especially those who have children, as a way to seek blessings for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of their offspring. The festival is also believed to bring wealth and overall prosperity to the family.
Symbolism:
- Cow Worship: The cow, revered as a sacred animal in Hinduism, symbolizes motherhood, nurturing, and selfless giving. Worshipping a cow on Bahula Chaturthi is seen as an act of paying homage to these qualities. The cow is also associated with the divine Kamadhenu, the mythical cow that grants all desires, making it a symbol of abundance and fertility.
- Fasting and Offerings: The fast observed on this day signifies self-discipline, devotion, and spiritual cleansing. Offering sweets to the cow and her calf reflects gratitude and respect towards the nurturing nature of cows. The cooked barley consumed after the fast is also symbolic of simplicity and purity.
Rituals and Observances
The rituals of Bahula Chaturthi are simple yet profound, reflecting a deep connection with nature and the divine.
Fasting (Vrata): Women typically observe a strict fast from sunrise until the evening, abstaining from food and sometimes water. The fast is broken only after the evening rituals.
Puja (Worship) of Cows: In the evening, a cow along with her calf is worshipped. This ritual is performed with the utmost devotion and involves offering sweets, fruits, and water in an earthen pot. The cow is adorned with garlands and tilak (a mark on the forehead) as part of the ritual.
Storytelling and Listening: An essential part of the observance involves listening to or reciting the folk tales associated with the festival. This storytelling is believed to confer religious merit (punya) and is an integral part of the celebration.
Folk Tales Associated with Bahula Chaturthi
The festival is connected with two prominent folk tales that emphasize the themes of truth, loyalty, and divine intervention:
The Cow and the Lion:
- Story: A cow, while grazing in the forest, was caught by a hungry lion. The cow, understanding its fate, pleaded with the lion to let it return home once to feed its young calf and promised to return thereafter. The lion, moved by the cow’s plea, allowed it to go. True to its word, the cow returned after feeding its calf. Impressed by the cow’s truthfulness and commitment, the lion decided to spare its life.
- Symbolism: This story symbolizes the power of truth (satya) and the idea that adherence to one’s word can lead to divine grace and protection. It also reflects the moral teaching that even the fiercest beings can be moved by virtue and truth.
Vipula and the Serpent Goddess Manasa:
- Story: A woman named Vipula, whose husband had died at a young age, decided to bring him back to life. She took his body on a raft across the river Bahula and sought the blessings of the serpent goddess Manasa. Moved by her devotion and determination, Goddess Manasa restored her husband to life on Bahula Chaturthi.
- Symbolism: This tale underlines the themes of devotion, love, and determination. It also emphasizes the power of divine grace and the belief that the gods reward unwavering faith and loyalty.
Lesser-Known Facts about Bahula Chaturthi
Regional Variations: While the festival is predominantly observed in northern India, there are variations in the rituals and stories associated with Bahula Chaturthi across different regions. In some places, the festival is linked with the worship of Lord Krishna, who is often associated with cows and cowherds (Gopala).
Connection with Krishna: In certain communities, Bahula Chaturthi is also connected with Lord Krishna’s childhood and his divine leelas (divine plays) with the cows. This adds another layer of spiritual significance, linking the festival with devotion to Krishna.
Environmental Significance: The worship of the cow, an essential part of Bahula Chaturthi, also reflects the traditional agrarian societies' respect for animals, particularly cows, which play a crucial role in farming and agriculture.
Health and Purity: The tradition of consuming barley after the fast is not only a spiritual practice but also has health implications. Barley is considered cooling and beneficial for digestion, particularly after a day of fasting, suggesting an understanding of dietary principles in festival practices.
Association with Ganesh Chaturthi: Bahula Chaturthi usually precedes Ganesh Chaturthi, another major Hindu festival. The timing of these festivals in the month of Bhadrapada is seen as a period of intense spiritual activity, with Bahula Chaturthi setting the stage for the worship of Ganesha, who is the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings.
Bahula Chaturthi, though a minor festival, carries profound spiritual, cultural, and environmental significance. It emphasizes virtues like truth, faith, and devotion, while also fostering a deep respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all living beings. The festival’s stories and rituals provide a window into the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology and cultural practices, highlighting the enduring relevance of these traditions in contemporary times.