Phalgun Month and its importance

In Hinduism the month of Phalgun holds a special significance. According to the Hindu Calendar Phalgun is the last month and correspond to February and March of Gregorian calendar. It is considered the month of joy and happiness.

Phalgun Month in 2024 start from 20th February 2024, which will last till 20th March 2024.

Winter ends and summer gradually starts during this month. Apart from the pleasant weather, Phalgun Month also brings in a fleet of celebrations. The month is split into two halves, the Krishna paksha, and Shukla paksha according to the waning phases of Moon. We see many important festivals celebrated during this month in India. Holi and Mahashivratri, are the most famous festivals of Hinduism, is celebrated in the month of Phalgun. There was various other festivals like Vijay Ekadashi, Phulera Dooj, Holika Dahan, and Amalaki Ekadashi celebrated during this month.

In Goa Shigma is celebrated during this month, celebrations can stretch over a month and may last even after the Hindu Luni-Solar New Year begins. Another popular fair is Phalguna Mela in Khatushyamji in Rasjasthan.

The month is believed to be very auspicious its name Phalguna itself means sweet character or meritorious qualities. Phal means fruit and Guna means qualities. The new moon and full moon days are considered highly auspicious. On the other hand, Amavasya is not regarded as preferable for performing auspicious ceremonies. Amavasya is a day meant for ancestors’ worship. This day also marks the onset of the growth phase of the moon, the bright Shukla Paksha.

Some important facts of Phalgun Month

During this month Sun transit takes place from Kumbh Raasi (Aquarius) to Meena Raasi (Pisces). It is also called the month of Basant (spring) season.
According to mythology the Ramayana and Mahabharata happened in Phalguna month.
In this month all the three forms of Lord Krishna are worshiped as Bal, Yuva and Guru Krishna.
As per Hindu calendar, Phalguna Purnima is the last Purnima in the year. The rituals of Phalguna Purnima starts from the holy bath in the sacred river in the early morning.
Lakshmi Jayanti is celebrated in the month of Phalguna. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi was born on Phalguna Purnima during Samudra Manthan.
In this month, Krishna Paksha Ashtami is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Mother Sita. Janka Maharaja found Sita Devi on this day.
According to mythological beliefs, Chandradev was born in the month of Falgun itself, so Chandra Dev is also worshiped in this month.
If on Falgun Dwadashi there is Shravan Nakshatra, then on this day there is a law to worship Lord Shri Hari Vishnu according to law and observe fast.
Lord Shiva Shankar is worshiped on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Falgun month, this day is called Mahashivratri.
The festival of temple festival called Uttara is also celebrated in South India.

Festivals celebrated in the month

Vijaya Ekadashi

Vijaya Ekadashi is celebrating to get the blessing of Lord Vishnu. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, the auspicious day comes in the Krishna paksha of Phalguni month. It is believed that Lord Sri Ram was able to demolish Ravana without any obstacle for Ram kept his fast and observed Vijay Ekadashi. The fasting and celebrations help in cleansing the body and avoiding obstacles that hinder success.

Maha Shivaratri

Mahashivaratri is celebrating to worship Lord Shiva. The festival celebrates the convergence of Lord Shiva and Parvathi. This festival also falls in the Krishna paksha half of the Phalguna month.

Phulera Dooj

Phulera Dooj is celebrated on Shukla paksha Dwitiya of Phalgun month, when union of Lord Krishna and Radha was celebrated.

Amalaki Ekadashi

It is considered as a sacred fasting day for Hindus. It is believed that by observing Amalaki Ekadashi, the person reaches to the abode of lord Vishnu, ‘Vaikunth’.

Govinda Dwadashi

Govinda Dwadasi is celebrated on the next day of Amalaki Ekadasi i.e on Sukla Dwadasi. On this day we have to pray Lord Vishnu take bath in river Ganga. If not possible to take bath in Ganga River we can go to the nearest river available. It is believed that by doing so we get good health.

Holika Dahan

Holika Dahan or Choti Holi is celebrated in Phalgun month. It’s been said that Lord Brahma had gifted Holika the power to withstand fire. Holika sat on fire with Prahlad to burn him in fire and let to death. It was Prahlad’s prayers to Lord Vishnu that saved him from burning in fire. It was the protective shawl of Holika that flew to cover Prahlad’s body.

Holi

Holi, is one of the biggest festivals for Hindus. While Holi is celebrated throughout India, the celebrations in the Braj region- Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan, Gokul, Nandgaon, and Barsana, where lord Krishna’s had spent most of his life, are most famous regions for Holi celebration. Playing Holi is primarily celebrated as the victory of good over evil. This festival of colours has socio-cultural and religious significance which is participated by one and all irrespective of their caste and creed.