Rishi Panchami – ऋषिपंचमी

Rishi Panchami –ऋषिपंचमी

 Rishi Panchami is celebrated on the Panchami of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. It is the day after Siddhi Vinayaka Vrata. In 2013 Rishi Panchami falls on Tuesday, 10th September. In fact this is not a festival but a Vrata or Pooja mainly performed by women.

The purpose of observing this ritual is twofold:

1. To express respect, gratitude and to remember the great deeds of those ancient Rishis, who devoted their life for the welfare of mankind. Also to introspect and correct oneself by falling in line and obeying /respecting Rishis orders. To keep us reminded about great Rishis, a star constellation (Ursa Major – The Big Bear / The Great Bear / Big Dipper) is named as “Sapta Rishi Mandala” representing greats such as Atri, Kashyapa, Bharadwaja, Gautama, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni and Vashista. Rishi Panchami is mainly dedicated to these Rishis.

2. Rishi Panchami is generally celebrated by women, particularly in North India. This Vrata holds a deep and moral significance among Hindu women. It is believed that any ill deeds committed / mistakes done by women can be washed off by doing this Vrata. This is particularly so of any infringement of rules pertaining to observance of social conduct during menstrual periods.

In some Community this day is also observed as “Bhai Panchami”. On this day women who belongs to this community tie Rakhi on their brother’s hand and pray for their long life, prosperity and happiness in their life. They also observe fast and break the fast after tying Rakhi on their brother’s wrist.