Gauri Ganpati Puja – Among the many vibrant rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi, Gauri Ganpati Puja stands out as a unique and deeply symbolic celebration. With the arrival of Goddess Gauri, this tradition brings divine blessings of prosperity and harmony into countless homes. In 2025, as devotees prepare to welcome Gauri, we explore who she is, the spiritual story behind her visit, the date of the puja, how to perform it, the food associated with it, and where to buy idols. Whether you are a first-time participant or a seasoned devotee, this guide will help you celebrate Gauri Ganpati Puja with devotion and understanding.
Who is Gauri and Why is She Worshipped
Gauri is considered either the sister or mother of Lord Ganesha, depending on regional traditions. In Maharashtra, she is often seen as his sister who visits him during Ganesh Chaturthi to bless him and his devotees with prosperity and well being. In spiritual texts, Gauri is a form of Goddess Parvati, symbolizing purity, strength, and motherhood.
Her presence is believed to bring peace, fertility, and wealth into the household. The celebration of her arrival is also a reflection of familial love and bonding, especially between brother and sister. This has made Gauri Ganpati Puja an emotional and devotional highlight during the ten days of Ganesh Chaturthi.
When is Gauri Ganpati Puja in 2025
In 2025, Gauri Ganpati Puja or Gauri Aagman will be celebrated on Sunday 31 August. According to Hindu Panchang, this falls under the Anuradha Nakshatra. The most auspicious time for her arrival and installation is before 5:25 PM on that day. She is typically worshipped for two to three days and her visarjan or farewell will take place on 2nd September 2025.
The Story Behind Gauri Ganpati
According to mythology, Gauri (Goddess Parvati) once created a son from turmeric paste and gave him life. That son later became Lord Ganesha. During Ganesh Chaturthi, it is believed that Gauri visits her son to bless him and celebrate with him.
In another version of the story, Gauri is seen as Ganesha’s sister who comes to visit her brother every year. The Gauri are two sisters. Jyestha (elder) and Kanishtha (younger) one. Her arrival is a joyous occasion and families welcome her into their homes with devotion and festivity. This symbolic visit reinforces the importance of family bonds, hospitality, and divine blessings.
How to Perform Gauri Ganpati Puja
Day One Gauri Aagman/Gauri Avahan
- Clean the house and set up a puja area decorated with rangoli, mango leaves, and flowers
- Welcome Gauri with devotion during the auspicious time before 5:25 PM
- Install a clay or symbolic idol of Gauri, sometimes accompanied by two sisters or representations
- Dress the idols in new sarees and ornaments
- Draw footprints using kumkum and rice to show Gauri’s entry into the home
- Offer homemade delicacies like ladoo, chakli, gujiya etc
Day Two Puja Rituals/Gauri Puja
- Offer traditional prayers and Loban/dhoop.
- Perform aarti and offer prasad thali with all traditional maharashtrian food.
- Conduct haldi kumkum ceremony for married women by applying turmeric and vermillion
- Share gifts or small tokens with visiting women as a gesture of respect and community bonding
- Light lamps and perform evening aarti with family and neighbours
Day Three Gauri Visarjan
- Offer final aarti and express gratitude for Gauri’s visit
- Offer prasad such as sweet rice or kheer
- Take the idols for visarjan and immerse them in a water body or a container used for symbolic immersion
- Clean the puja area and distribute the remaining prasad among family and friends
Food Prepared During Gauri Ganpati
Food plays a central role in the celebration of Gauri Ganpati Puja. Some of the traditional offerings include:
- Modak
- Puran Poli
- Udid Moong Vade
- Aamti or flavored dal
- Ambil, a sweet and sour stew made from grains
- Rice kheer
- Sweetmeats such as laddoos and sheera
- Fried snacks like chakli and karanji/gujiya
- Urad dal papad and masala bhat
On the final day, devotees prepare simple but rich foods such as khir and papad to mark Gauri’s farewell.
Where to Buy Gauri Ganpati Idols
Gauri idols are widely available in the days leading up to Ganesh Chaturthi. Here are some options:
- Local clay artisan markets in Maharashtra
- Street stalls in areas known for Ganpati sales such as Dadar, Lalbaug, and Girgaon in Mumbai or Laxmi Road in Pune
- Eco friendly Gauri idols made of shaadu mati, paper, or natural materials
- Online platforms that offer home delivery of Gauri idols
Be sure to purchase your idol early, ideally a few days before 31 August, to avoid last minute shortages.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Gauri Ganpati Puja is not just a ritual but a celebration of womanhood, devotion, and prosperity. It brings families and communities together. The haldi kumkum ceremony encourages social bonding, especially among women. The act of inviting and worshipping Gauri symbolizes the welcoming of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into the home.
The puja is especially meaningful for newly married women and is considered an auspicious start to household life. Many families have passed this tradition down for generations, keeping the cultural heritage alive.
Conclusion
Gauri Ganpati Puja adds richness and meaning to the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. On 31 August 2025, as families across India welcome Gauri into their homes, they are also inviting prosperity, happiness, and spiritual growth. Whether you follow the tradition out of devotion, culture, or joy, this festival offers a deep connection to divine feminine energy and the value of familial love.
May Gauri’s blessings fill your home with abundance and your heart with peace.
Also read – Why We Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi: The Divine Fourth Day
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gauri in Gauri Ganpati Puja?
Gauri is considered an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and is either the mother or sister of Lord Ganesha depending on regional beliefs. She symbolizes strength, prosperity, and fertility.
When is Gauri Ganpati Puja in 2025?
Gauri Aagman will take place on Sunday 31 August 2025. The visarjan or farewell will happen on 2nd September 2025.
How long does Gauri stay in the home?
Traditionally, Gauri stays for two to three days after her arrival. Some keep her for one and a half days, while others may extend it to three days.
What foods are offered during Gauri Ganpati Puja?
Offerings include modak, puran poli, kheer, vade, ambil, and various sweets and snacks. On the visarjan day, simple dishes like sweet rice and papad are offered.
Can Gauri idols be immersed at home?
Yes. Many devotees now perform symbolic immersion at home in a tub or bucket, especially if using eco friendly clay idols. The water is then used to water plants.
Where can I buy Gauri Ganpati idols?
You can find them at local markets, artisan stalls, and online platforms. It is best to buy early to ensure availability.
Why is Gauri Ganpati Puja significant?
It is a celebration of feminine divinity and family values. The ritual brings prosperity, peace, and happiness into the household and is a treasured tradition in many Indian families.
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