Festivals
Date
Champa Shashti
About
Champa Shashti is a six-day festival dedicated to Lord Khandoba, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, primarily celebrated in Maharashtra and Karnataka. It culminates on the sixth day of the Shukla Paksha in Margashirsha.
Significance:
The festival commemorates the victory of Lord Khandoba over the demons Mani and Malla. It symbolizes the triumph of divine power over ego and evil. Lord Khandoba is worshipped for protection and prosperity.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi:
1. Bhandara: Offering and sprinkling of turmeric powder, which represents gold and divine energy. 2. Offerings: Devotees offer mashed eggplant and multigrain flatbread to the Lord. 3. Champa Flowers: Offering Champa flowers to the deity, which gives the festival its name. 4. Jagran: Spending the night singing songs and narrating stories of the Lord's bravery.