Sama Pancham is a unique ritual observed mainly in Gujarat in
the Bhadrapad Month (August – September). Women and farmers
observe certain rituals on the day. In 2013, the date of Sama
Pancham is September 10. On the Sama Pancham day, people cook
and eat only Sama grains. The ritual is observed on the fifth
day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Bhadrapad
Month. On this day, farmers and people associated with
agricultural activities cook and eat Sama – the seeds that a
kind of wild grass. Women observe on the day rituals associated
with Rushi Pancham. Some women avoid performing religious
rituals on the day and indulge in singing of bhajans.