Hal Shashti Vrat 2016: What is the significance of Balaram Jayanti!

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We all know how Lord Krishna revered his elder brother Balaram, who is also known by the names of Baladeva, Balabhadra or Halayudha. If Krishna is considered to be an avatar of lord Vishnu, then Balaram is believed to be an incarnation of Shesh nag or Shesha (the serpent god on whom lord Vishnu rests). According to some mentions in the mythology, Lord Balarama is also addressed as Sankarshana—the eight avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Balarama's birthday this year falls on August 23, and it is celebrated across the globe as Hal Shashti, Halayudha or Balaram Jayanti. On this day, several women observe fast throughout the day and pray for the good health and prosperity of their children.

In northern India, this day is also known as Hal Shashti or Lalahi Chhath. And in the areas of Braj bhoomi, it is called Baladeva Chhath. Also, in Gujarat, this day is celebrated as Randhan Chhath.

Hal Shashthi Vrat procedure:

Interestingly, women who want to conceive and are thinking about having kids can also keep the fast on this day. If your health does not allow you to observe any fast then you can instead take the prasad from whoever has kept it. Women with sons keep it for ensuring their long life.

Women, who keep the fast generally take a bath and wear fresh clothes. Post that, they use the cow dung and put it evenly on the floor. The women who keep fast on this day can't consume cow milk, butter or ghee. They only have to take those food items which are fetched from the trees. Then the dig a pit in which they place the twigs of Jharberi and Palash (HarChhath—seen as a symbol of plough—lord Balaram's weapon). 

Followed by this, all the women pray to this HarChhath and recite the stories of Lord Balarama. After, who conduct the puja, then you can have food. HarChhath and recite the stories of Lord Balarama. After, who conduct the puja, then you can have food. 

So, pray to the Lord Balarama on this day for the prosperity of your child and those who want to extend their families can seek a boon as well!