Among the twelve months of the Hindu calendar in India, Agrahāyaṇa holds a special place. The Sanskrit word Agrahāyaṇa literally means “the first month or season of the year.” During this month, the Hemanta (early winter) season begins, and in agrarian society, it marks the time when the newly-harvested rice is brought home. Therefore, for Bengalis, this month is regarded as significant not only from a religious point of view but also from social and economic perspectives, explained Netai Chandra Basu, sebait, Lake Kalibari, Kolkata.
Mythological and Scriptural Importance
The Padma Purāṇa and Brahma Vaivarta Purāṇa describe Agrahāyaṇa as the most auspicious month for the worship of Lord Vishnu. The full-moon day of this month is known as Agrahāyaṇī Pūrṇimā, on which the worship of Lord Nārāyaṇa and the feeding of Brahmins are said to yield great spiritual merit.
Similar to the month of Kārtika, bathing in sacred rivers during Agrahāyaṇa is also prescribed. According to the Skanda Purāṇa, bathing in the Ganges on Agrahāyaṇī Pūrṇimā bestows merit equivalent to performing ten thousand Aśvamedha sacrifices.
Offerings to Ancestors and Charity
The month of Agrahāyaṇa is also considered highly auspicious for performing śrāddha (ancestral rites), pitṛ-tarpaṇa (offerings to forefathers), and acts of charity.
Importance in Agrarian Society
Economic Significance
With the new harvest stored at home, peace and prosperity return to the farming households. This period also brings renewed activity and wealth to the local markets and fairs.
Agrahāyaṇa in Bengali Folk Tradition and Culture
Nabanna Festival – In rural Bengal, the Nabanna (New Rice Festival) is celebrated during this month, one of the most important events in agrarian culture. Even today, people in villages cook new rice and invite relatives and neighbours to partake.
Worship of Krishna and the Goddess of Grain – In many regions, the newly harvested rice is ceremonially offered to Lord Krishna or Goddess Lakshmi.
Agrahāyaṇa is well known as the season of rural fairs and festivities. It is also considered an auspicious period for marriages; many families choose this month for wedding ceremonies. In the Bengali cycle of seasons, early winter begins during this month, bringing a refreshing change in nature and community life.
Agrahāyaṇa is not merely a month in the calendar—it is deeply intertwined with Bengal’s agrarian way of life. The new rice, the Nabanna festival, sacred river bathing, and acts of devotion and charity together make Agrahāyaṇa a symbol of prosperity, purity, and joy. Both in scriptural importance and folk tradition, this month holds a distinguished place, forming an integral part of the Bengali cultural identity.