The Punjabi month of Bhadon begins in mid-August, bringing with its interesting traditions and a respite from the summer heat.
The indigenous calendar, known as the Bikrami calendar, originated in 100 BCE during the reign of King Vikramaditya of India. Named after the king, this calendar, like the Gregorian one, comprises 365 days. It features nine months with thirty days each, one month (Vaisakh) with thirty-one days, and two months (Jeth and Harh) with thirty-two days each.
Bhadon follows the month of Sawan and spans from August 16th to September 15th. In both Indian and Pakistani Punjabs, Sawan and Bhadon are synonymous with monsoon rains, which arrive after the scorching heat of Harh (June and July), breaking the oppressive warmth and bringing much-needed relief. Consequently, Bhadon is celebrated as a month of pleasant weather, with manageable heat.
Baba Guru Nanak, the revered Sikh Guru, praises Bhadon in the Guru Granth Sahib: “Bhadon, the month of rain, is a very beautiful month. Sawan and Bhadon are months of blessings when the clouds descend and pour down heavy rain, filling the water and the land with honey, and the Creator walks upon the earth.”
Traditionally, the twelve Punjabi months were named after eleven brothers (Vaisakh, Jeth, Harh, Sawan, Assu, Katak, Maghar, Poh, Magh, Phagan, Chet) and one sister, Bhadon. As the only sister, Bhadon is considered cherished and pampered. However, Bhadon is also known for its temperamental nature. It is both beloved and sweet but can also be temperamental, sharp, and piercing.
If the heat intensifies in this month, it can drench a person in sweat. When the wind blows, it creates a very pleasant atmosphere, but if the wind stops, it can become suffocating. It is said that if Bhadon brings rain and all creatures, including animals and insects, come out of their homes to enjoy the delightful weather. If Bhadon becomes dry, it parches everything. So, people pray for mercy to avoid the harshness of this season.
On the night of the 22nd of Bhadon, the star Bhadr rises, marking a significant transition. Traditional weather predictions indicate that from the 23rd of Bhadon, winter begins to set in. Post the 22nd of Bhadon, flies and mosquitoes start to disappear, reducing the need for livestock farmers to use smoke to ward off these pests.
Exactly one week after the 22nd of Bhadon, the indigenous month of Assu (Asuj) begins. In Asuj, cool winds from the north start blowing in the mornings, helping to lower the temperature.
Bhadon is noted for ending the intense heat of Jeth and Harh. As it concludes, it makes the weather extremely pleasant for the inhabitants of the land. As we celebrate the arrival of Bhadon, we embrace its unique charm and the cultural richness it brings, marking the transition from the sweltering summer to the refreshing onset of winter.
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