Gowri Habba is a significant Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in the southern states of India, particularly in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This festival is observed on the day before Ganesh Chaturthi and holds great cultural and religious importance. It is observed on the third day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Gowri, who is believed to be the embodiment of purity and marital bliss. Married women and families perform rituals and offer prayers to seek her blessings for a happy and prosperous married life. Let us understand some creative decoration ideas to make Gowri Hubba even more special.
The primary significance of Gowri Bagina is to honour and seek the blessings of Goddess Gowri, who is considered the embodiment of purity and marital bliss. It is believed that Goddess Gowri blesses married couples with a happy and harmonious married life. This festival has deep cultural roots, and it is a day for women to come together, perform rituals, and exchange gifts. It is also an occasion for women to dress in traditional attire and jewellery. Gowri Habba 2023 Date: Know Puja Vidhi, Shubh Muhurat and Significance of the Festival Celebrated in South India.
Making a Mantapa for Gowri Habba
The mantapa, or the decorative platform, is an essential element of Gowri Habba celebrations. Here's how you can make a simple mantapa for the occasion:
Steps to Make the Mantapa
- Set up the Wooden Base: Place the wooden planks or board in the desired location in your home. This will serve as the base for your mantapa.
- Decorate with Fabric: Spread the decorative fabric over the wooden base. Ensure that it covers the entire area and drapes down the sides, creating an elegant look. You can use safety pins to secure the fabric in place.
- Create a Seating Arrangement: Arrange pillows or cushions on the fabric-covered mantapa to create a comfortable and inviting seating area for the Goddess idol.
- Add Decorative Elements: Decorate the mantapa with fresh flowers and leaves. You can create a beautiful floral arrangement around the idol, along with leaves or petals, for added colour and fragrance.
- Place the Goddess Idol: Finally, place the idol or picture of Goddess Gowri in the centre of the mantapa. You can decorate the idol with traditional jewellery and clothing for a more ornate look.
Decoration Ideas for Gowri Bagina
Floral Mantapa Decor: Decorate your home with fresh and vibrant flowers. Create intricate rangoli patterns at the entrance using flower petals. Adorn the idol of Goddess Gowri with flower garlands and offer her various flowers as a symbol of purity and devotion.
Decorate Idol in Traditional Attire: Dress up the Goddess idol in beautiful sarees and jewellery. You can even craft small paper jewellery items to add a touch of creativity and uniqueness to the idol's appearance.
Lamps and Diyas: Illuminate your home with traditional lamps and diyas. Place them around the idol and in different parts of your house to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Puja Thali: Prepare a special puja thali (plate) with all the necessary items like turmeric, kumkum (vermilion), incense sticks, and flowers. This thali can be beautifully decorated with traditional designs.
Decorative Alankara: Adorn the Goddess with alankara (decorative items) such as bangles, bindis, and other jewellery. You can also create a decorative backdrop using colourful fabrics and curtains.
Prasad Area Decoration: Gowri Bagina is also a time for family gatherings. Decorate your dining area with banana leaves and serve traditional South Indian meals to celebrate the occasion.
Watch Video: Gowri Bagina
Watch Video: Gowri Habba Festival
Gowri Habba is a beautiful and culturally rich festival celebrating the divine feminine energy and the essence of married life. By incorporating these decoration ideas, you can make this festival even more meaningful and visually appealing while honouring Goddess Gowri and beginning the preparations for the grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebration that follows.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 16, 2023 11:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).