Bihar Festival: Patna. The folk festival of coolness, Jud-Sheetal, has started from today. In Mithila it is celebrated as New Year. On Jud Shital, the entire society worships water and wishes for coolness from Devi Shitala. In this two-day festival, Satuan is played on the first day and Dhurkhel is played on the second day. Jud Sheetal means full of coolness. Just as the people of Bihar worship the Sun during Chhath and the Moon during Chaurchan, similarly the entire society worships water on Jud Sheetal. In this two-day festival, civility is wished for each other.
Jud Sheetal’s direct connection with nature
Jud Sheetal has a direct relation with nature. Crop system and weather are also factors behind this festival. In Mithila, new production of Sattu and Gram flour occurs at this time. It has great importance in this festival. Even if seen from a scientific point of view, the dishes made using it can be kept for a long time without spoiling, so that the food does not get wasted. Generally, food items spoil quickly due to heat. To avoid this, people use Sattu and gram flour more in the summer season. In such a situation, Sattuan is celebrated on the first day of this festival, on the day of Satuan, different types of Sattu ingredients are prepared.
Care is taken from son to ancestors
On the occasion of this festival, first of all a pitcher is tied to the Tulsi tree to provide regular water. The belief behind this is that by doing this the thirst of the ancestors is quenched. In the morning, mothers apply water on the heads of their children, it is believed that this will keep them cool throughout the year. On this day in the evening, everyone in the house pours water on the trees and plants, so that the trees and plants remain green and do not dry up even during the summer season. People believe that trees and plants are also a part of their family and they also protect us. Meaning, in this festival it is wished that there should be peace between the sons and ancestors.
Cleaning of water reservoir, rest of stove
Dhurkhel takes place on the second day of this festival. On this day the entire society cleans water collection sites like wells and ponds. Gives comfort to the stove. In Magadha this day is called Basiora. On this day, stale food prepared a day before is eaten. There was a tradition of hunting in the afternoon, which has now ended, but the tradition of eating non-vegetarian food at night still persists.
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If you want to avoid global warming then join us and celebrate Sheetal
Due to modernization in the last few decades, things like global warming are increasing. In such a situation, it has become extremely important to protect the environment. Jud Shital festival is mainly associated with nature. It is important that today this method of worshiping nature should be promoted and propagated. Amidst this increasing threat of global warming, festivals like Juda Sheetal inspire us to love, harmony and conservation towards nature. By making people aware, not only today but also the future generations can be given a better option towards environmental protection.