Anant Chaturdashi: A Festival of Faith and Protection

Anant Chaturdashi is a Hindu festival celebrated on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of the Bhadrapada month. It is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his 'Anant' (infinite) form. In Bihar, the festival is observed with fasting and specific rituals. It often coincides with the end of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which is more prominent in other states. The worship of Lord Vishnu is also central to the Pitru Paksha Mela at the Vishnupad Temple.,The main ritual involves the worship of Lord Vishnu and the tying of a sacred thread called 'Anant'. This thread, which has 14 knots, is sanctified during the puja and then tied by men on their right arm and by women on their left arm. It is believed to act as a protective charm against all evils and to bring prosperity.,Devotees observe a fast and listen to the 'Anant Vrat Katha', which narrates stories of the thread's power. The festival is also popularly known as the day for the immersion (visarjan) of Ganesh idols after the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, although this is more prominent in other parts of India. In Bihar, the focus remains on the worship of Lord Vishnu and the sacred thread of Anant, a devotion also seen during Vivah Panchami.

Keywords: anant chaturdashi, lord vishnu, hindu festival, sacred thread, ganesh visarjan