Gauri, the Godess of prosperity, and sister of Lord Ganesh, has arrived at the homes of Ganpati devotees

During the ten-day Ganesh festival, which starts on Bhadrapada Chaturthi (forth day of the Bhadrapada month in Hindu calendar), Gauri puja is also performed as a ritual in many households in the city. Believed to be the deity of progress and prosperity, Gauri is said to bring home health, wealth and happiness.

Gauri’s celebrations have already started in the city after the Gauri avahana (invocation of Godess Gauri) on Saturday. Being the sisters of Lord Ganesh, Gauri arrives three days after Ganesh’s idol is brought home. “The sisters of Lord Ganesh are called Gauri. It is said they come to their maiden home to visit their brother. Therefore two idols of Gauri are worshipped on this occasion,” says 56-year-old Sunanda Sonkar, who has installed Gauri at her house

“It is a three-day-celebration. Yesterday was the avahana and today we will conduct a Satyanarayan puja, which will be attended by friends, relatives, neighbours and all. The Gauris are draped in traditional sarees and ornaments and the decorations are enormous. And tomorrow, after puja and arti, Gauri will leave,” informs Girish Charwad who also installs Gauri and Ganpati every year. “Welcoming Gauri during Ganpati, has been a tradition set by our ancestors,” says Charwad. With diverse beliefs and traditions, Gauri puja, also known as Upasana of Mahalasksmi (goddess of wealth), is performed differently in different regions and households.

“Gauri is believed to be a sign of prosperity and wellness. She symbolises the victory of good over evil. She is a manifestation of motherhood and fertility,” says Sonkar. “On this day we prepare Gud-bhakri for Gauri avahana. Today for the puja, traditional meals like dahibhat and pooranpoli will be made. We greet married women with haldi-kumkum and present them with a gift, as they are believed to be avtaar of Godess Laxmi,” says Sonkar