The Gujarati calendar, also known as the Vikram Samvat, is a traditional calendar followed by the Gujarati community in India. It is based on the Hindu lunar calendar and is used to determine auspicious dates for various events and festivals. The Gujarati calendar is divided into months, with each month consisting of 29 or 30 days.
In this guide, we will take a look at the Gujarati calendar for July 2022, including the festivals, events, and auspicious days that are observed during this month.
Festivals in July 2022:
1. Ashadhi Beej (July 5, 2022): Ashadhi Beej is celebrated on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. It marks the beginning of the monsoon season and is considered an auspicious day for sowing seeds and starting new ventures.
2. Guru Purnima (July 16, 2022): Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Ashadha. It is a day to honor and pay respect to one’s spiritual gurus and teachers. Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from their gurus on this day.
3. Rath Yatra (July 19, 2022): Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is celebrated in the month of Ashadha. It commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in Puri. Devotees pull the chariots of the deities through the streets during the festival.
4. Devshayani Ekadashi (July 25, 2022): Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadi Ekadashi, is observed on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. It marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, during which Lord Vishnu is believed to go into a deep sleep.
Events in July 2022:
1. Gujarati New Year: The Gujarati New Year, also known as Bestu Varas or Nutan Varsh, falls on the day after Diwali. It marks the beginning of the Vikram Samvat calendar year. People clean and decorate their homes, wear new clothes, and visit temples to seek blessings for the new year.
2. Navratri: Navratri is a nine-night festival celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga. It is observed twice a year, once in the month of Chaitra (March-April) and once in the month of Ashwin (September-October). During Navratri, people perform traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas, fast, and offer prayers to the goddess.
3. Diwali: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important festivals in the Gujarati calendar. It is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. People decorate their homes with lights, burst firecrackers, exchange gifts, and perform Lakshmi Puja on this day.
Auspicious days in July 2022:
1. Purnima (July 14, 2022): Purnima, or the full moon day, is considered an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. It is believed that performing rituals and prayers on this day can bring prosperity and happiness.
2. Ekadashi (July 9 and 25, 2022): Ekadashi, the 11th day of the lunar fortnight, is considered a holy day for fasting and spiritual practices. Observing Ekadashi is believed to cleanse the mind and body and bring spiritual benefits.
3. Sankashti Chaturthi (July 30, 2022): Sankashti Chaturthi is observed on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar month. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is believed to remove obstacles and bring success and prosperity.
FAQs:
1. What is the significance of the Gujarati calendar?
The Gujarati calendar is followed by the Gujarati community to determine auspicious dates for events, festivals, and rituals. It is based on the Hindu lunar calendar and is used to plan activities in accordance with planetary positions and astrological beliefs.
2. How is the Gujarati calendar different from the Gregorian calendar?
The Gujarati calendar is a traditional lunar calendar based on the movements of the moon, while the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar based on the Earth’s orbit around the sun. The Gujarati calendar has months that vary in length, while the Gregorian calendar has fixed-length months.
3. How are auspicious dates determined in the Gujarati calendar?
Auspicious dates in the Gujarati calendar are determined based on planetary positions, lunar phases, and astrological beliefs. Pundits and astrologers study these factors to identify favorable days for specific activities like weddings, housewarmings, and starting new ventures.
4. Can non-Gujaratis follow the Gujarati calendar?
Yes, anyone can follow the Gujarati calendar to plan events and festivals according to the lunar calendar. However, understanding the nuances of the calendar and its significance may require some study and guidance from experts in the field.
In conclusion, the Gujarati calendar for July 2022 is filled with festivals, events, and auspicious days that hold significance for the Gujarati community. By following this calendar, people can plan their activities in alignment with astrological beliefs and traditions. Whether it is celebrating festivals, observing rituals, or seeking blessings on auspicious days, the Gujarati calendar plays a vital role in the cultural and spiritual life of the community.