International women's day

Who started celebrating "International women's day"? The first national woman's day was observed in the United States on 28 February 1908. But did we begin to celebrate women in our life in 1908? I don't think so. We (Bhartiya) have been celebrating the glory of the woman for the past centuries even before the existence of the English calendar.  In Hinduism, we treat women as the goddess. And, a celebration of the goddess is a celebration of a woman. Let me tell you the names of the festival that are dedicated to the Goddess.

In Chaitra, (the first month of the Hindu Calendar) We celebrate chaitra navratri in honour of Goddess Shakti. We also celebrate Yamuna Chhath (Birth anniversary of Goddess Yamuna) and Sheetala Ashtami which is dedicated to goddess Sheetala.

 

In Vaishakha, (The second month) we celebrate Ganga Saptami which is dedicated to the goddess Ganga, and Sita Navami (birth anniversary of Goddess Sita) 

In Jyeshtha, we celebrate Ganga Dussehra and Gayatri Jayanti (Gayatri is the goddess of Veda) She is considered the mother of all Gods and the embodiment of Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Parvati, and Goddess Lakshmi.

In Ashadha, we have Gauri Vrat and Jayaparvati Vrat. It is a fasting period dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Jaya (a form of Goddess Parvati). Kokila Vrat is also celebrated in Ashadha and it's dedicated to Goddess Sati. 

In Shravana, we have Varlakshami Vrat is one of the most appropriate days to propitiate and seek blessings of the Goddess Lakshmi. Gayatri Jayanti is also again celebrated in Shravana.

In Bhadrapada, we celebrate Radha Ashtami and Mahalakshmi Vrat.

In Ashwina, we celebrate Navratri in honour of goddess Durga n those nine days we pray to nine different forms of her. Upand Lalita Vrat is a vrat for Goddess Lalita.

In Kartika, we celebrate Lakshmi Pooja and Tulsi Vivah. 

In Margashirsha, We celebrate Annapurna Jayanti

In Paush, we celebrate Shakanbhari Purnima. It is also known as Shakanbari Jayanti.

In Magha, we celebrate Vansat Panchami. Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, music, and art is worshipped on Vasant Panchami.

In Phalguna, we have Durga Ashtami Vrat. 

In all the months, we celebrate Goddess in our life. So, do we need a day to celebrate women in our life? If so, then I think one day is not enough to celebrate what women have done for the betterment of society. From carrying a life for nine months to spending almost all active years of their life for the children. If we are just celebrating them for a day then it'll be not fair to them. 

Let's just not celebrate a day, let's celebrate a lifetime. Let's try to bring a smile to their face and let's try to keep that smile Sadaiva. :) 

I wish your family gets whatever you wished for because you will always wish for them before your wishes. I wish all the ladies and soon-to-be ladies a healthy, happy, and prosperous life. :) 

Aradhya

9/3/2023