Question 1258
Consider the following statements about Byanjana Dwadashi festival. 1. It is celebrated by adherents of Vaishnavism. 2. It is observed in Assam. Select the correct statement(s):
Answer
1 only
Why?
Explanation: Byanjana Dwadashi is celebrated by adherents of Vaishnavism , the largest sect within Hinduism, which considers Vishnu and his incarnations such as Krishna as the Supreme Godhead. Vaishnavites, through this festival, commemorate an episode of the Mahabharata where Yashoda observes that her son Krishna is pale and weak. She realises that this is because of lack of proper nutrition at a time when Krishna has devoted all his energy in fighting demons. In order to fulfill his nutritional requirements, she prepares a lot of delicacies and feeds him. Krishna is not the only consumer of these delicacies. His friends – the Gopala Balakas or cowherd boys - also eat with him. Hence, statement 1 is correct. It is celebrated in Odisha. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
