Gowri Habba is a Hindu festival celebrated a day before Ganesh Chaturthi. It is celebrated by married women majorly in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The observance is known as Hartalika in the North Indian states. Goddess Gowri, the mother of Lord Ganesha is worshipped as she is known for blessing her devotees abundantly. Gowri is the incarnation of Aadhi Shakthi Mahamaya. On Gowri Habba, women observe Swarna Gowri Vratha seeking blessings from Goddess Gowri for a happy married life. Special prayers are conducted according to Shubh Muhurat. Women pray and fast during the entire day seeking marital bliss.

It is believed that on the third day of the month of Bhadra, Gowri comes to the houses of married women who are her devotees to bless them abundantly. The next day, her son Lord Ganesha comes as if to take her back to Mount Kailasha. The same festival is known as Hartalika Teej in Maharashtra and  North Indian states. Hartalika Teej 2019 Date and Time: Significance, Story and Celebrations Associated With the Hindu Festival for Married Women.

Gowri Habba on Sunday, September 1, 2019

Pratahkal Gowri Puja Muhurat - 08:27 am to 08:43 am

Pradoshkala Gowri Puja Muhurat - 06:27 pm to 08:49 pm

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Shailaputri, who is Parvati herself prayed for twelve years to get married to Lord Shiva. But as her father decided to get her married to Lord Vishnu, she ran to her friend for help. The friend took her to a deep forest helping her in escaping the marriage. The festival is also known as Hartalika which comes from the combination of "Harat" that means "abduction" and "Aalika" means a "female friend", referring to the incident. The day is celebrated by following various customs, traditions and rituals.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2019 02:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).