Krishna Tritiya

Krishna Tritiya is the third day of the waning moon, when the disc is still large but thinning each evening. The mood is softer than on its bright-half twin, and traditional calendars put its emphasis on household matters instead of grand beginnings.

Gauri presides here as well, and the day is a jaya tithi, so victory in its classical sense still colours the day, though with a family flavour. In the month of Bhadrapada the dark-half Tritiya hosts Kajari Teej, a monsoon festival kept mainly in parts of northern and central India, where women fast for their families, sing seasonal songs and worship a local goddess.

Beyond that festival, the day is considered suitable for repairs, small chores, visits to elders and the settling of disagreements. Starting a long journey or a new venture is usually put off until the moon waxes. Observance is informal in most places: a lamp, a short prayer to Gauri or Parvati and a modest meal are enough in many households. Practices differ from village to village, so learn them from relatives or a local temple.