Aranya Shasti is observed for begetting children and is dedicated to Goddess Sashti, Kartikeya and the god of the forest. Aranya Sashti 2015 date is May 24. Women observe a partial fast on the day and perform pujas in forest or under a Kadamba Tree.
Aranya Shasti observed on the sixth day of the waxing phase (shukla Paksha) of moon in the month of Jyeshtha (May – June) as per traditional Hindu calendar.
Aranya means forest and Sashti is the sixth day of a Hindu lunar fortnight.
Goddess Shasti is worshipped on the day and offerings are made on a traditional hand-fan. Women only eat fruits on the day.
In some regions women tie a thread around the wrist.
The prayers that are chanted are from the Aranya Suktam in Rig Veda.