Religious Rituals- Neel Shasthi

Hi friends,
My bengali neighbour spoke of the Neel Shasti ritual. In contrast to Karva Chauth, Neel Shasthi is fasting for the welfare of the children. Here are the details :

In the month of Chaitra, the Bengali community celebrates 'Neel Shasthi'. This festival celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva with Devi Parvati by offering puja to the Shiva Lingam. This puja is exclusively done by the married women folk to seek the blessings of the Lord for their family especially children.

The womenfolk in the Bengali community in Delhi and nearby areas fast through out the day. In the evening they visit the temple of the Lord Shiva and worship the Shiva Lingam with milk, bel leaves & Akondo and Datura flowers. The Akondo flower is favoured for its bluish tinge. Its Neel (Blue) Shasthi after all.

This year Neel Shasthi is falling on March end and Bengali ladies are all geared up to worship Lord Shiva for welfare of their children.

Many a mother would like to fast to ensure the well being of their children. I would like to hear of othe similar traditions.

Yes you are right Shushma,
This puja is done by the married women folk to seek the blessings of the Lord for their husbands & children. According to certain beliefs the word 'Neel' is derived from 'Neelkantha', which means a person with a blue colored throat, which actually indicates Lord Shiva.

The worship is done when Inscence sticks along with the 'pradeep' or holy lamp are lighted & fruits & sweets are offered. They return home & break their fast by having the 'prasad' (the fruits offered to & later blessed by the god). though Shushma you have explained in brief about everything. The Bengali's have a very nice way of celebrating. Did you attend any of these?

Hi Aahna
Well, yes I did visit the Shiv Temple with my neighbour once. I will like to tell you about the origin of the word Neel in Neel Shashthi.
The word 'Neel' is derived from 'Neelkantha' which is another name for Lord Shiva. According to legend, during the churning of the ocean to produce Nectar or Amrit, poison was churned out which threatened to engulf the world. The worried Devtas then approached Lord Shiva, who took up all the poison but held it in his throat. The Lord’s throat turned blue due to the poison and he began to be called “Neel Kantha” or the person with a blue colored throat.