Dashama Vrata

Dashama Vrata (Gujarati:દશામા વ્રત) is an annual 10-day Hindu festival or vrata (religious vow), mainly observed in the Indian state of Gujarat and Diu. This vrata is usually observed in July–August on the amavasya (new moon day) of the Hindu month of Ashadha. Many people also observe the vrata in the month of Chaitra (March). The vrata is dedicated to the goddess Dashama or Momai. The vrata is mainly observed by women for prosperity and good fortune of their family.

Vrata
On the amavasya (new moon day) of the Hindu month of Ashadha, devotees observe Dashama Vrata by installing a Sandhani made of soil in their home. Devotees also install a murti (icon) or image of the goddess Dashama with an icon of the Hindu god Ganesha. Devotees who observe this vrata wear the Kautuka (red-coloured thread) with 10 knots on their right hand on the first day and eat once a day (ek tanu). Daily, devotees perform puja (ritual worship), arti, reads the katha (legend) and then eats prasada (food offering). Devotees also participate in jagarana, a night vigil of prayer and worship. The vrata is observed for 10 days. On the last day, devotees observe the jagaran and around 4-5 AM, the murti is immersed into a water body like a river. The vrata is observed for 5 years and on the fifth year, the observer is prescribed to make a Sandhani made out of silver and donate to an auspicious brahmin.

Date
The dates of the vrata can vary as it is based on Gujarati Calendar of Vikram Samvat and observed on the amavasya of the Ashadha month. It is usually observed between July-August.