Traditional and enthusiastic arrival of Gauri idols in households across Pune.

Pune: Today, on Tuesday afternoon, women celebrated the traditional and enthusiastic arrival of Gauri deity at their homes. On the first day of the Gauri invocation, Gauri is welcomed from the courtyard, often starting from the sacred Tulsi plant, into the home. Gauri is worshipped, and offerings of flowers and special food (naivedya) are made. Women pray to Gauri for wealth, prosperity, and good health. To ensure eternal good fortune and prosperity, women perform the Gauri pooja in the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada. The worship is conducted on the Jyeshtha nakshatra, which is why this Gauri is also called ‘Jyeshthagauri.’

The first day is dedicated to invoking Gauri. Women, often from the maternal family, are given special respect. Footprints of Goddess Lakshmi, drawn with rangoli, mark the entrance of the home and lead to the place of Gauri’s installation. The feet of the woman carrying the Gauri idols are washed with milk and water, and a swastika is drawn on them with kumkum. The idols are carried inside, with their arrival marked by the sound of bells or a plate being struck. Before Gauri’s installation, they are shown symbols of household prosperity, like the dairy and grain storage. Prayers are offered for continued wealth and abundance. This tradition is called "Gauri Avahan" (invoking Gauri).

The main Gauri pooja will take place on Wednesday, 11th September 2024. Naivedya will be offered in the afternoon. Since the pooja follows the Jyeshtha nakshatra, it must be completed by 9:22 PM on 11th September. Gauri Visarjan, the immersion of the idols, will take place on Thursday, 12th September, during the Mool nakshatra, from morning until 9:53 PM, according to knowledgeable sources, stated a press release.