Rang Bhari Ekadashi 2024 : Dive into the Kaleidoscope of Colorful Celebrations

Rang Bhari Ekadashi is a vibrant Hindu celebration of Ekadashi in the month of phalgun.

Namaste!

Welcome to the world of divine readings at www.onindianpath.com. Today, I am going to embark on the journey to explore the meaning, date and significance of Rang Bhari Ekadashi 2024.

Introduction

Rang Bhari Ekadashi signifies the arrival of spring with joyous gatherings, colorful festivities and the spreading of love through vibrant hues. Namely, it is also called Amalaki Ekadashi, Amla Ekadashi or Amalaka Ekadashi. Additionally, this ekadashi is dedicated to amla tree (Indian gooseberry).

Date and tithi of Rang Bhari Ekadashi

In 2024, we are going to have Rang Bhari Ekadashi on 20 March. Moreover, as per Hindu Panchang, Rang Bhari Ekadashi falls on 11th day of Shukla Paksha of Falgum mas. Als, Ekadashi tithi will start at 12:41pm on 20 March, 2024 and ends at 8:56 am on 21st March 2024.

Why is it called Amla Ekadashi?

moreover, it is popularly known as amla Ekadashi, as Hindus worship Amla tree on thi day and offer amla to Hindu God Vishnu as bhog. Likewise, it is believed that the when Lord Vishnu created Lord Brahma, he also created amla tree. In fact it has many medicinal properties and known as elixir in Ayurveda.

Particularly, there is another school of thought, believe that goddess Lakshmi resides in this holy tree. Also, Lord Vishnu who is revered on this day, is believed to dwell in this tree.

Significance of Rang Bhari Ekadashi

Further, Rang Bhari Ekadashi is important occurence for all the hindus. As we all know that Ekadashis are dear to Lord Vishnu. However, Rang Bhari Ekadashi holds aspecial place for shivaites.

Do you know why Lord Shiva is reverevd on Rang Bhari Ekadashi ? Besides, it is believed that Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati on Mahashivratri. Eventually, she stayed back at her father’s place for gauna (a period of time for which the newly wed girl stays at her father’s place).

Indeed, on Rangbhari Ekadashi, Mahadev brought her to the holy city Kashi for the first time after his marriage. Thus, this Ekadashi holds great significance to commemorate the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Hence to join the joyful first visit of Mata Parwati, all the demigods anx gandharvas pour petals of flower and colours on the divine couple from the sky.

Varanasi on Rangbhari Ekadashi

Furthermore, Ekadashis are devoted to Hindu god Shri Vishnu, but on Rang Bhari Ekadashi, whole world dances on the tunes of happiness and celebrations of Lord Shiva and Devi Parwati union at Vishwanath temple at Varanasi.

Subsequently, on the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi, a procession is carried out every year. Significantly, streets are filled with colour, music and dance. Devotees full of up infinite energy, dance and play with colours in the procession.

Apparently, the procession starts from Mahant’s(main preist) house in Tedhi Neem and ends at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. For this occasion, the silver idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are taken on a palanquin to the main temple.

Additionally, there is a special puja and prayer ceremony for this divine pair in the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Likewise, it is mesmerising view where the lanes of Vishwanath Gali are packed with sound of damru, abeer and gulal.

Interstingly, there is another splendid ritual followed on next day. It is believed that on the next day of Rangbhari Ekadashi, lord Shiva visited Manikarnika Ghat to celebrate the masan ki holi with his Ganas, ghost and spirits.

I am going to share the insights of masan ki holi in my upcoming blog.

Rituals of Rang bhari/Amlaki Ekadashi

1. Firstly, devotees should wake up early in the morning and have their bathing rituals. Secondly, install an idol or image of Lord Vishnu on a clean yellow or red cloth over the top of stool at your temple or home.
2. Thenafter, offer flowers, akshat, kumkum, sandalwood to the idol of Shri Vishnu.
3. Lastly, one should recite Vishnu Sahasranaam on this auspicious day to be blessed with abundant wealth, happiness and prosperity.
4. Additionally, offer water, kumkum, akshat and mauli (sacred thread) to Amla tree near you. If possible do circumambulate around the tree by reciting – Om namo bhagwate Vasudevaye namah.

Meanwhile, it is advised to refrain oneself from eating rice, cereals and non veg items on this day. Also do not consume any kind of alcoholic items.

Conclusion

At the end, we know how diverse our religion and culture is. We celebrate Rang Bhari Ekadashi to mark the end of winter and the onset of springtime celebrations. It is the call to start the celebrations of festival of colours. It is agreat day for both Vishnu followers and Siva follower to be in utmost fun and fervor to celebrate the divine blessings of both the supreme powers of the universe.

Lets promise to kill the egos, ignorance and rudeness inside us and bring out the best human out on this auspicious Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu teaches us to be in thsi materialistic world by performing our duties well without being inclined to any worldly attachments. Although, smearing and playing with the ashes of dead bodies in cremation ground at Manikarnika ghat teaches us the lessons of being free from attachments and dance out all the worries and tensions.

Wish you a great day ahead.

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