Devotees converge on Yamuna banks to pray to Yamraj in Kartik fest
Allahabad: Hindu devotees converged on the banks of the sacred Yamuna river in Allahabad on Saturday to take a holy dip to please the god of death, Yamraj. They offered prayers and lit lamps amid chanting of hymns. According to Hindu mythology
both Yamraj and Yamuna are brother and sister. It is believed that if a person takes
bath in the river in Kartik month of Hindu calendar, that is October-November, the
lord is pleased. Thus, the fear of death from the minds of devotees goes away. It is
believed to be one of the most auspicious days of the month. The month-long festival
is devoted to Yamraj, Lord of death. Kartik festival commences on the full moon day
of the Kartik month, in October as per English calendar. Devotees, especially
women, lit earthen lamps and worship river Yamuna and Lord Yamraj. They are
believed to be siblings in Hindu mythology. Worshipping one to please the other. The
Lord of death blesses the partner of the worshipper. The women pray for the long
life of their husbands and wish to reunite them as husband and wife if reborn.
Devotees also worship the day as reincarnation Lord Krishna. Kartik chaturdashi
falls on the 14the day of the lunar fortnight in the month of Kartik. Diyas of four
corners are also lit at the entrance of kitchen, main door, water ponds etc. One
should apply sesame oil on body and take bath after moon rise. It is also believed
that Lord Shiva was born on Krishna Chaturdashi in Swati Nakshatra under Mesh
Lagna
