Dashama Vrata
Dashama Vrata is an annual 10-day Hindu festival or vrata, mainly observed in the Indian state of Gujarat and Diu. This vrata is usually observed in July–August on the amavasya of the Hindu month of Ashadha. Many people also observe the vrata in the month of Chaitra. 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 of the Hindu month of Ashadha, which is also known as Divaso. Devotees observe Dashama Vrata by installing a Sandhani made of raw soil in their home on a Bajot. On top of the bajot, red cloth is layed out, the sandhani, made out of raw soil should be installed on the cloth. Devotees also install a murti or image of the goddess Dashama with an icon of the Hindu god Ganesha. On the bajot, a copper pot is also placed with shriphal and mango tree leafs and it is worship with colored powders including abhil, gulal and kanku. This practice also includes taking Kautuka which has 10 knots and mixed with vermilion power, and it is placed on the kalash. Devotees who observe this vrata wear the 10 Kautuka or sometimes 9 with 10th thread taking from their saree making it ten with 10 knots on their right hand on the first day and eat once a day. Daily, devotees perform puja, arti, reads the katha and then eats prasada. 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.| Year | Date |
| 2018 | 12 August |
| 2019 | 2 August |
| 2020 | 21 July |
| 2021 | 9 August |
| 2022 | 28 July |
| 2023 | 17 July/17 August |
| 2024 | 4 August |
| 2025 | 24 July |
| 2026 | 12 August |