This is also known as Yaksha amavasya. In other words, the last day of the dark
fortnight of 'Paush' dedicated to the 'Yaksha', which again appears to refer to some forest-dwelling
tribe that lived there before the rishis. On this day a special dish of moong mixed with rice is
prepared in the evening. It is served to the Yaksha on an improvised plate made of dry grass. The
plate is placed on the top of the compound wall. The kitchen mortal is placed on a grass ring,
worshipped as a symbol of the cosmos and decorated with sindoor, sandal, raw rice and flowers.
Some households serve fish on this day also. During our childhood we were told that the Yaksha
would be wearing a red cap while partaking of this Khichdi and whosoever is able to snatch away
this cap will get riches. So all the children would be eager to get hold of this cap, which eluded
everyone.
|
 |
