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Gauri arrives during the Ganesh festival in the month of Bhadrapada, during the Shukla Paksha (the bright half of the lunar month). Traditionally, Gauri is said to come to households on the day of Anuradha Nakshatra. She is lovingly referred to as “Mahervasin”, symbolizing a daughter returning to her parental home. In many traditions, Gauri is considered an incarnation of Parvati, who comes to visit her son Ganesha. Gauri stays for two days, caring for Ganesha before both are immersed together.
Gauri’s Puja and Cultural Variations
The day after her arrival, on Jyeshtha Nakshatra, Gauri Puja is performed, and she is thus referred to as Jyeshtha Gauri. The rituals and methods of worship differ across regions, and on the third day, both Gauri and the household Ganpati idols are immersed, marking the end of the festival.
Gauri’s Relationship with Ganapati
The relationship between Gauri and Ganapati varies by region:
-Mother: In many places, Gauri is considered to be Ganapati’s mother, Parvati.
– Sister: In other regions, Gauri is believed to be Ganesha’s sister, who visits him for a brief stay during the festival.
– Wife: Some traditions even refer to Gauri as Ganapati’s wife.
These variations reflect the diverse cultural practices in Maharashtra, each holding its own significance and meaning.
Celebrations and Rituals
When Gauri arrives, she is ceremoniously brought into homes, often accompanied by the installation of idols made from masks, flowers, or traditional Gauri idols. In many households, she is welcomed with rituals resembling those for Lakshmi, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Footprints are marked throughout the house to signify her arrival.
On her first day, Gauri is offered simple food like vegetable bread. The next day, a grand Mahalakshmi Puja is performed, followed by a Mahaprasad feast, which includes 16 different vegetables, kheer (sweet rice pudding), and a variety of traditional sweets like ladoo, chakli, and karanji.
In some areas, there is also a tradition of Vavasa, a fast observed during Gauri’s stay. This fast is accompanied by offerings of fruits and snacks to honor her presence.
The exact relationship between Gauri and Ganapati may differ across regions and interpretations, with her being considered Ganesha’s mother, sister, or wife depending on local customs. Despite these differences, Gauri’s arrival during Ganesh Chaturthi is universally seen as a time of prosperity, familial love, and spiritual devotion.
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