Chaitra Gauri Pooja

Sarva Mangala Maangalye Shive Sarvaartha Saadhike|

Sharanye Trayambake Gouri Narayani Namosthuthe||

Chaitra Gauri Pooja is also known as Tadigae Gauri Vratha, Ujjale Gauri Vratha, Soubhagya Gauri Vrata, and Chaitra Gauri Arishina Kumkum and is performed (observed) by married women in North Karnataka and Maharashtra. Chaitrada Gauri vratha starts from Trithiya (third day) two days after Gudi Padwa or Ugadi in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which is March-April, in Gregorian calendar. This year (2018) it is on 30th March.

Gauri is installed and worshiped for one month till Akshaya Tritya day. “Paanpoyi” or large pots of water is worshipped and kept in public space for the thirsty to help themselves.

Choose a safe and suitable place to keep Gauri as it has to remain undisturbed for a month. Clean the place and draw Rangoli and place a plank. Prepare a Kalasha and keep it over the plank. Make Arishinada Gauri (Haridra Gauri / Turmeric powder shaped into a cone) and place it on a Betal leaf. Transfer the Betal leaf on to a Bellada Achchu (Jaggery cube). Keep the Gauri in front of the Kalasha. A wheat grass growing pot is kept near the Kalasha. Few keep Mungaru Bele (Bele means crop), which is grown during Chaitra Masa like Jower (Sorghum), Hesaru (Green Gram), Madaki (Moth Beans) and also Hingaru Bele, which is harvested before Chaitra Masa like Godi (Wheat), Kadale (Chik Peas, Bengal Gram), Navani (Sawa Millet), and so on.

Start the pooja by worshiping Lord Ganesha. Next start Gauri Pooja by chanting Gauri Astothara. Offer Sandal paste, Turmeric Powder, Kumkum, Gejjevastra, Flowers, Davana (leaf), Incense Stick, and Naivedya (divine food).

Naivedya comprises of Kosambari, Lemon Juice or Aam Ka Panha, Buttermilk, and a Sweet dish. Sing Bhajans and Songs and perform Aarathi.

In the evening invite married women and do Pada pooja (feet worship) and give them Mangala Drowya and Tamboola. Some communities perform Dolotsavam (swing ceremony) of Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri.