Randhan Chhath

Shri Krishna's elder brother Balram was born on the Shashti Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada. Therefore this day is also celebrated as Balram Jayanti. Balram ji's main weapons are plow and pestle. That is why they are called Haldhar ( farmers ). The fast observed on this day in his name is called 'Hal Shashti' . In eastern regions it is known as Lalai Chhath, Randhan Chhath, Hal chhath, Tin chhath , Tinni Chhath , Kamar Chhath or known by the names Khamar Chhath etc. This is a major festival of Gujarat. Only child holding women fast on this Chhath. On this day there is a tradition of doing Datun (kind of a tooth brush made of small stem of Mahua tree) of Mahua. On this fast, the use of things produced with the help of plow is considered prohibited, hence after fasting for the whole day, fruits etc. can be consumed after worshiping in the evening. Also, using cow's milk or curd made from it is prohibited during the fast. Only buffalo milk is used in the fast. Mothers observe this fast to pray for the long life of their children so that their children can be protected in the future.

Method of worship

There is no special method to observe this fast, you can do the puja as per your tradition. Married women, if possible, should dig a pit in the ground and daub it with cow dung and give it the shape of a pond. If there is any problem in doing this, then you can use any vessel used in the house like a tub or bucket or a drum cut in half. After cleaning it, filling it with soil can be used to create the shape of a pond. By tying one branch each of Jharberry (berry plant), Palash and Sycamore make the shape of Har Chhath Mata and bury that shape in the same pond. Har Chhath Mata is a form of Mata Parvati. After doing this Har Chhath Maiya is worshipped. Roasted wheat, gram, paddy, maize, jowar, millet, barley etc. is offered in the worship. Clothes colored in turmeric and wedding items are also offered. After worshiping, pray to Chhath Mata in this way -

O Goddess! You have obtained Lord Shankar as your husband by taking bath in Gangadwar, Kushavarta (Maharashtra), Neel Parvat and Kankhal Tirtha (Haridwar). Salutations to you, Lalita Devi, the giver of happiness and good fortune, please grant me everlasting love.

Importance of Randhan Vrat

On the Shashti Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada, mothers observe this fast for the longevity, happiness and prosperity of their children. Women who complete their fast with full devotion, all the troubles going on in the lives of their children end and happiness and prosperity comes in the family.