What is Champa Shashti? Know the significance and rituals of this day

The cultural diversity in India is unique, with the celebration of festivals and social occasions happening almost every day in some parts of the country. Champa Shasthi, a day of worshipping Lord Shiva, is primarily celebrated in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The festival rituals continue for six days, beginning on the Amavasya and ending on the Champa Shasthi day.

Significance of Champa Shasthi
As per Hindu mythology, Lord Khandoba, the warrior avatar of Lord Shiva, is worshipped. The festival marks the victory of Lord Khandoba over the evil demons, Malla and Mali, and the people pray to seek protection from all evil forces. In rural Maharashtra and Karnataka, Lord Khnadoba is seen as the lord of the farmers, hunters and warriors.

Khandoba temple
Besides rural Maharashtra and Karnataka, devotees celebrate Champa Shasthi in the Khandoba temple in Pune (Maharashtra) with great devotion.


The tithi timings are from 1.35 pm (November 28) to 11.04 am on November 29.

FAQs

Why is Champa Shasthi celebrated for six days?
According to mythology, Lord Shiva is his warrior avatar, Khandoba, who saved people from the demons, Malla and Mani, who were two brothers. The fight between the demon brothers and Khandoba lasted six days, signifying the festival's duration.

What are the rituals followed in Champa Shasthi?
Devotees usually visit a Shiva temple every day for six days and offer vegetables, fruits, apple leaves and turmeric powder to worship Lord Shiva. On the final day, delicacies made from multi-grain flour and wheat base are offered to the deity, in addition to turmeric powder.