GAURI COMES HOME

Discover the rituals, food, and spiritual meaning of Gauri's arrival during Ganeshotsav

- Sapna Sarfare

Ganeshotsav celebrations fill the air with joy and positivity. However, not everyone is familiar with Gauri-Ganpati. This tradition, usually observed on the fourth or fifth day of Ganesh Chaturthi, has its own story and significance worth exploring.

Significance Gauri-Ganpati is quite common in Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. While some celebrate her as an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the mother of Lord Ganesh, some celebrate her as the sister of Ganesh visiting home to meet her brother.

Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj, Founder of Vishwa Jagriti Mission, considers bringing Gauri home during Ganeshotsav as having a deep cultural and spiritual significance, especially worshipping Gauri Mata as Goddess Parvati, the mother of Lord Ganesha. "Saluting the mother first before the son portrays respect, reverence, and the significance of feminine power in family life. Gauri's coming is also thought to bring prosperity and good fortune, as she is considered to be the embodiment of Lakshmi, bringing the house riches, peace, and good health." He speaks of Gauri representing Shakti or the feminine divine power and Ganesh representing Buddhi or intelligence. "In Maharashtra and other places, Ganeshotsav is incomplete without Gauri Mata. Women in particular are active participants in her worship, thereby reinforcing tradition, family bonding, and festive celebration of feminine power."