Gauri Pujan is a part of Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, especially in Maharashtra. The auspicious occasion of Gauri pujan usually takes place in the month of Bhadrapad (August-September) in Maharashtra. In 2019, the Jyeshtha Gauri Puja will be observed on September 6, 2019. Gauri Puja is held on the third day during the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival. It is observed for three days, Gauri Avahan (September 5), Gauri Pujan (September 6) and Gauri Visarjan (September 7). Ganesh Chaturthi 2019 Date: Significance, Rituals, Celebrations Related to the 10-Day Ganpati Utsav.

During the Gauri Avahan, the statue of Gauri is installed at homes and worshipped, on the Gauri Pujan day, the statue is worshipped and during Gauri Visarjan the statue is immersed. Gauri who is considered to be Ganesha’s mother, comes in search of Lord Ganesh and is believed to bring in auspiciousness and prosperity. The two idols (Ganesha and Gauri) are brought home. In some parts, Gauri is considered to be Goddess Parvati, the mother of Lord Ganesha.

Puja Vidhi

Gauri Pujan is especially done by women in Maharashtra. The Puja is performed by both married and unmarried women. While married women pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands, the unmarried women perform Gauri Pujan for getting an ideal husband. Women stay awake whole night on the day of Gauri Pujan. They play traditional games like Zhimma and Phugdi. Godess gauri is worshiped and offered food consisting of sixteen types of vegetable dishes, sweets, rice preparations and fruits.

Women in Maharashtra arrange a get together, usually known as ‘Haldi-Kumkum’ in her house on second day, which is Gauri pujan. The idol of Goddess Parvati should be installed to the left of Lord Shiva. The Puja begins by worshiping Lord Ganesha.

On the day of Gauri Pujan, start the Puja Vidhi by bathing the Goddess first with water, then with Panchamrit and then with water. Wipe it with a clean cloth and keep them on the pedestal. After this, worship Gauri and offering new clothes, light incense and lamps and offer flowers and dakshina. At the time of worship, chant the Gauri mantra. Offer a lamp of ghee or oil according to the ritual, perform aarti.

Gauri Avahana Muhurat

Jyeshtha Gauri Avahana on Thursday, September 5, 2019

Jyeshtha Gauri Avahana Muhurat - 07:18 AM to 08:20 PM

Jyeshtha Gauri Puja on Friday, September 6, 2019

Jyeshtha Gauri Visarjan on Saturday, September 7, 2019

It is believed that if women worship the Goddess, all their desires are fulfilled, besides giving you a worthy life partner. In Maharashtra, Ganeshotsav also incorporates other festivals, namely Hartalika and the Gauri festival, the former is observed with a fast by women on the day before Ganesh Chaturthi. In some communities such as the Chitpavan, and the CKP, pebbles collected from river bank are installed as representations of Gauri.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2019 11:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).