Carrying forward the tradition of Gauri Pujan in Goa

GT Digital

During Gauri Pujan, women in Goa worship waterbodies like wells and rivers.

Worship of goddess Gauri | Picture Courtesy: Dhiraj Harmalkar

Gauri puja is usually performed on the fifth or sixth day of Ganesh Chaturthi. And, this puja is performed by specific families of talukas such as Bicholim, Pernem and Sattari.

Gauri Puja in Goa | Picture Courtesy: Dhiraj Harmalkar

Newly married couples fast on this day. They carry 'kalas' and 'patri' and walk to a well or nearby river to perform various rituals.

Worship of Goddess Gauri| Goa | Picture Courtesy: Sandeep Desai

Interestingly, after the rituals, they take water in their mouth and without talking to anyone head back home.

Rituals of Gauri puja | Picture Courtesy: Sandeep Dessai

At home, a priest performs puja. Couples seek blessings and pray for a child from goddess Gauri, while others seek wealth and prosperity.

Rituals of Gauri Puja | Picture Courtesy: Dhiraj Harmalkar

Hovso prasad is served on a turmeric leaf. The prasad consists of fruits and other items.

Gauri puja prasad | Picture Courtesy: Sandeep Desai

After the rituals, women go back to the water bodies and distribute prasad to others.

Gauri Puja in Goa | Picture Courtesy: Dhiraj Harmalkar
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