Festivals provide an opportunity to celebrate values, traditions, and culture, unveiling the essence of one’s illustrious past and The Agarwals celebrate various such festivals throughout the year that reflect their rich heritage. In this blog post, we will explore some of the famous festivals of the Agarwal community and their significance.

Agrasen Jayanti

Agrasen Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Maharaja Agrasen, the founder of the Agarwal community. It is celebrated on the fourth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Ashwin, which usually falls in September or October. Agrasen Jayanti is a day of pride and gratitude for the Agarwal, who pay homage to their ancestor and his ideals of peace, prosperity, and social harmony. The Agarwal organise various cultural and charitable events on this day, such as processions, seminars, blood donation camps, free medical camps, and distribution of food and clothes to the needy. They also worship Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune, on this day.

Mahalaxmi Vrat

Mahalakshmi Vrat is a 16-day festival that starts on the eighth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada and ends on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin. The devotees worship Goddess Mahalakshmi and Lord Ganesha and observe a fast for the whole day. They also recite or listen to the Mahalakshmi Vrat Katha, which tells the story of a poor Brahmin woman who was blessed by Lord Vishnu and Goddess Mahalakshmi for her faith and devotion. On the last day, they invite 16 married women to their house and offer them gifts and food. They also immerse the idol or the picture of Mahalakshmi in a river or a pond and thank the goddess.

Diwali

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the festival of lights that marks the victory of good over evil, and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the dark half of the lunar month of Kartik, which usually falls in October or November. Diwali is one of the most important and joyous festivals for the Agarwal, who decorate their homes and shops with lamps, candles, and rangoli. They also perform puja to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, and exchange gifts and sweets with their family and friends. Diwali is also a time of prosperity and auspiciousness for the Agarwal, who start their new financial year on this day. They also buy new clothes, jewellery, and utensils, and invest in gold and silver.

Holi

Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is the celebration of spring and the triumph of love over hatred. It is celebrated on the last full moon day of the lunar month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March. Holi is a fun and festive occasion for the Agarwal, who play with colours, water, and flowers, and enjoy music and dance. They also light bonfires on the eve of Holi, which symbolise the burning of Holika, the evil sister of King Hiranyakashipu, who tried to kill his son Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Holi is also a time of forgiveness and reconciliation for the Agarwal, who forget their differences and embrace each other with love and affection.

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is the festival of the bond between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month of Shravan, which usually falls in July or August. Raksha Bandhan is a special day for the Agarwal, who cherish their sibling relationships and express their love and respect for each other. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread or rakhi on their brothers' wrists, and pray for their well-being and happiness. Brothers, in turn, promise to protect and support their sisters, and give them gifts and blessings.

Janmashtami

Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, is the birthday of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September. Janmashtami is a pious and festive occasion for the Agarwal, who worship Lord Krishna and his childhood antics. They decorate their homes and temples with flowers, lights, and paintings of Krishna. They also fast and chant the names of Krishna, and perform various rituals and ceremonies. They also celebrate the Dahi Handi, which is a game of breaking a pot filled with yoghurt, butter, and dry fruits, hung at a height. This game is inspired by the legend of Krishna stealing butter from the gopis or cowherd women.

Some other famous traditions followed by them:

• Godh Bharai: This is a ceremony where the groom’s family brings gifts of jewellery, clothes, sweets, and dolls to the bride. The dolls are a symbol of the bride becoming a mother
• Bhaat: This is a tradition where the maternal uncle of the bride gives a large amount of money or gold to the bride as a token of love and affection.

These are some of the famous festivals of the Agarwal community that showcase their culture and heritage. These festivals are not only a source of joy and happiness, but also a way of preserving and passing on their values and traditions to the next generations.