Festivals Via Feminist Lens: Reconcile The Difference Between Devi And Devil On Amalaki Ekadashi

Amalaki Ekadashi is celebrated by Hindu devotees in the Phalguna month of Hindu lunar calendar which mainly coincides with the February or March month of English calendar. This Hindu vrat is observed on the 11^th day of the waxing moon. Etymologically, Amalaki Ekadashi means the 11^th day of the waxing phase of moon in Phalguna month when devotees worship the Amla tree. It is believed that Lord Vishnu resides on the Amla tree and hence the tree acquires holy significance.

How it is celebrated:

On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Krishna and Goddess Raddha. All these devotees are believed to reside near an Amla tree on this day. Devotees wake up early in the morning and observe strict fast all day long. Only food made of amla must be consumed on this day. Moreover, some devotees observe a partial fast by avoiding the consumption of rice or grain. Devotees also listen to Amlaki katha on this day and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. As a part of puja rituals, devotees offer an earthen pot filled with water, along with sandalwood, roli, diya, flowers and incense sticks to the Amla tree. Some even serve food to the Brahmins under the amla tree.

Also Read: Pausha Putrada Ekadashi Legitimises Male-Child Preference Every Year

It is believed that devotees who observe this fast will be blessed with prosperity and happiness. In Mewar of Rajasthan, a fair popularly known as Gangu Kund Mahasatiya is organised on Amalaki Ekadashi. Moreover in Odisha, this Hindu vrat is celebrated enthusiastically as ‘Sarbasammat Ekadashi’ in Lord Vishnu and Lord Jagarnath temples.

The story behind Amalaki Ekadashi

It is believed that a king named King Chitrasena observed this fast along with his subjects. And then when he went on his hunting trip to a forest, he was captured by wild tribals and demons. Then, suddenly, a divine light emerged from him that drove the demons away and saved him. The king believed that it was the fruit of his fasting on Amalaki Ekadashi.

Watching from the feminist lens

Whenever Hindu mythologies serve the idea of demons or rakshas, it raises questions of hypocritic morality and discrimination as a result of social hierarchy. For example, in this case, the demons apparently were the “wild” tribals who today are the most disadvantaged groups of society. Moreover, in the epic Ramayana, Shurpanakha was demonised for exercising her sexuality and today also a woman is an oppressed section of the society that accepts her only until she obeys the restrictions and rules imposed on her. The demon is not usually an intrinsically bad character, while some might be.

So now that we are awaking to the ideas of social equality and empowerment, it is imperative for us to unlearn the ideas of demonising the ones who look or behave differently or defiantly. Of course, evil exists and so does demons who are the people who practice them. But demonising someone just because they do not belong to our community or do not follow our ideals is not right. Our scriptures also justify the divide on the basis of gender and caste which we need to unlearn to build a better society. Religion and festivals are for everyone. So let everyone share their beliefs in it rather than being alienated by its regressive ideas.

Also Read: Festivals Via Feminist Lens: Know The Story And Significance Of Govardhan Puja