Maharshi Parasuram Jayanti

Maharshi Parasuram Jayanti, the birth anniversary celebration of Maharshi Parasuram, the sixth avatar of Vishnu according to Hindu tradition, is a major holiday in parts of India. The date of the holiday is based on the Hindu lunar calendar, but it tends to fall sometime in April or May on the Gregorian Calendar. In 2027, Maharshi Parasuram Jayanti falls on Saturday 8 May. The holiday will be on Thursday 27 April in 2028. Parasuram is very famous from Hindu literature, and there are many interesting myths written about him. For example, his father is said to have had a cow named “Kama Dhenu” that could feed an unlimited number of people. The local king caught wind of this magic cow and asked Parasuram’s father if he could have it. When he was refused, he proceeded to kill both the cow and Parasuram’s father in a fit of rage. Parasuram then vowed revenge against that greedy king and against his people, the Kshatriya. Maharshi Parasuram Jayanti is also the day on which the Mahabharata is supposed to have been begun. Thus, it is the birth date of the legendary writing as well as of the legendary character in it. Many Hindus fast on Parasuram Jayanti, believing this can bring them “princely comforts”. And this is also the day when Hindus especially like to begin great endeavours and to acquire great possessions, such as gold decorations. Finally, many will attend temples dedicated to Parasuram, which are scattered all over India, to pray.