Ṣaṣṭhī Vow: Ritual of Hindu Bengali Women

The Ṣaṣṭhī vow is notably well-liked in Bengal. The well-being of the children and the family are the reasons behind the Ṣaṣṭhī vow. The goddess Ṣaṣṭhī is believed to be the defender and provider of children. Therefore, the main objective of the Ṣaṣṭhī vow is to improve the overall well-being of a child, which is expressed differently in various ways through the different Ṣaṣṭhī vows observed during the twelve Bengali months. Mothers observe the Ṣaṣṭhī vow, sometimes to shield the child from dust, to protect the child from premature death, to enhance the child’s life or wealth, and sometimes for the child’s healthy body. In addition to mothers of human new-borns, mothers of shepherd boys also observe the Ṣaṣṭhī, hoping that their offspring and the herds would be safe in the field. Not only do expectant mothers observe the Ṣaṣṭhī vow with a conscience in the hopes of bearing children (mostly sons), but also women who struggle with infertility. Women who give birth to only one child in life or who give birth to dead children likewise observe the Ṣaṣṭhī vow for the same reason.