With the cherished fasting ritual of Manglala Gauri Vrat soon to end, devotees are eagerly preparing to celebrate the culmination of the auspicious occasion in dedication of Goddess Parvati with full fervour.
The Vrat, observed by married women seeking the well-being and praying for the longer lives of their husbands, began on July 22, 2024 and continues every Tuesday, until August 19, 2024. Even unmarried women looking for a suitable life partner are seen observing this fast.
As the final day gets closer, the preparation for the commencing celebration has begun. On the day of the sacred ritual, devotees begin the day with an early morning bath that symbolises purification for the dawning ceremony.
The Puja room is then cleaned for the commencing preparation by placing a beloved idol of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva conspicuously in focus. Then, a Diya with sixteen wicks is lit before it is offered to Lord Ganesha first to ward off any energy obstacles and next to Goddess Gauri for her divine blessings and grace.
As the vrat emphasises on the importance of variety and devotion, faithful devotees ready sixteen types of offerings that consist of
- Flowers
- Different types of food offerings
- Items of shringaar (beautification)
- Dry fruits
different types of food offerings, items of shringaar, and dry fruit to appease the deities.
The puja begins by applying vermillion to the idol and adorning it with a garland as they recite the sacred story of Goddess Gauri, chanting prayers and mantras seeking spiritual intervention.
The day is also marked by a communal spirit, as families and communities gather to witness the devotion of the women, offering their support and sharing in the joy of the occasion.
With a final chant and veneration, known as the Aarti, to celebrate the goddess and invoke her blessings, the puja is concluded reverently.
Married women, in a gesture of respect and gratitude, turn to their mother-in-laws and touch their feet, affirming the incarnation of their faith and seeking blessings from these respected female figures. Unmarried women looking for a suitable partner also ask for Goddess Gauri’s guidance.
The culmination of the Mangala Gauri Vrat is one of earnest admiration and belief in the divine, fulfilling a sanctified sense of spirituality. It’s a pure human experience intertwined with the sacredness of the cosmos and the divine nature of the spirit, bringing devotees tranquillity within the sanctity of the vrat.
This celebration of faith, unity, and devotion highlights the enduring cultural and spiritual values that bind communities together, transcending the individual to connect with the divine in a deeply personal yet universally shared experience.