Maharaja Agrasen's Jayanti

If we look back on the ancient history of Haryana, Maharaja Agrasen will occupie a vast chapter of it. His remarkable reign and his practice of non violence is still treasured today and people remember him by celebrating the Maharaja Agrasen's Jayanti in Agroha, Haryana every year.

Maharaja Agrasen was born more than five thousand years ago in the royal family of Pratapnagar. His father, Raja Ballabh was the ruler of Pratapnagar and he was the eldest son of his parents. From an early age he was very compassionate and helpful. His noble behavior made him extremely popular with his subjects. Maharaja Agrasen married Princess Madhavi - the daughter of King Nagraj and together they commenced a journey to travel all over the country. While passing by one of the places, he saw a strange sight. He watched in utter amazement that some tiger cubs and wolf cubs are playing together. To the king and the queen, this was an auspicious symbol that the area was the land of brave - Beerabhoomi. They chose to make that land as their capital and named it Agroha. The city of Agroha rose to great heights during his time and it was one of the most prosperous kingdom of that time. He was famous for his kindness and his indiscriminating attitude towards his people. He used to practice severe penance and believed in truth, peace, non violence and sacrifice.

The people of Haryana and mostly the member of the Agarwala community, celebrate his birthday as the Maharaja Agrasen's Jayanti on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Asvin. Free medical camps, free food distribution and other cultural functions are held to spread the message of brotherhood and equality.