Kathmandu, September 11: Today, followers of the Vedic Sanatan Dharma are observing Kushe Aunshi by bringing into their homes the sacred kusha grass, which is used throughout the year in rituals dedicated to deities and ancestors.
The festival is observed every year on the no moon day (Aunshi) of the dark fortnight of Bhadra. According to scriptural rituals, kusha grass is worshipped and uprooted by a Brahmin before being delivered to the homes of devotees. It is religiously believed that keeping such kusha in the home brings prosperity and well-being to the family.
According to scriptural tradition, kusha uprooted on this day can be used throughout the year, whereas kusha uprooted on other days can be used only on the day it is collected.
Followers of Sanatan Dharma regard kusha, tulsi, peepal and shaligram as symbols of Lord Vishnu. There is a religious belief that Creator Brahma created the sacred kusha grass along with sentient beings. The kusha kept in homes today is used throughout the year in rituals dedicated to deities and ancestors.
On this occasion, children traditionally express their respect and honour for their fathers by serving them their favourite sweets and food and seeking their blessings. Those whose fathers have passed away visit various sacred places, where they perform tarpan, pindadan and shraddha and offer ritual food in their fathers’ names.
A special fair is held today at the premises of Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple in the northeastern part of Kathmandu, particularly known as Uttar Gaya. Therefore, today’s no moon day is also known as Gokarne Aunshi. On this occasion, large numbers of people gather at the Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple to perform tarpan, pindadan and sidadan in the names of their deceased fathers.
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