Gauri Vrat (04-Jul-2017 to 08-Jul-2017)

Gauri Vrat is one of the most auspicious days for unmarried  women and young girls in India, especially for those around the state of Gujarat and northern Maharashtra. Gowri Vrat is also referred to as Molakat Vrat and is observed in the month of Ashadha (July – August), spanning for five days. In 2017, Gauri Vrata is observed from July 4 to July 8. Unmarried women undertake to fast on his holy occasion, worshiping  Goddess Gauri Devi (Goddess Parvathi). The five day long Gauri Vrat begins on the eleventh day of the moon’s waxing phase, in the month of Ashada (Mid June – mid july) and ends on the Purnima (Full moon day). The Vrat includes a unique ritual of growing corn shoots in a pot to which prayers are offered.

Rituals during Gauri Vrat

On the auspicious occasion of Gauri Vrat, unmarried women get up early, even before the sunrise. They take a complete bath after which they offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Offerings such as the kumkum, akshata, dhoop, flowers and incense sticks are also made to the deities, seeking their divine blessings. Young girls and Unmarried women observe a partial fast for all the five days of the Vrat, by consuming food made only from ghee, wheat flour and milk. It is also permitted to consume fruits and fruit juices. However, one must refrain from having salt when fasting. On the occasion of the Gauri Vrat, a unique ritual is undertaken which involves the growing of corn in a small pot. People worship the Sun God (Surya) and these tender corn shoots on all the five days of the Vrat, together with worshipping Goddess Parvati Devi. On the completion of the Vrat on Ashadha Purnima, Prayers are offered to the deities after which the corn shoots are consumed as ‘prasad’. The remaining corns  are also distributed among other family members. Upon the completion of all the pooja rituals, the pot containing the remaining corn and mud are put under a tree.

Benefits of Gowri Vrat

Gowri Vrat assumes greater significance in Hinduism, more specifically to young girls and bachelorettes seeking a suitable life partner. According to Hindu Mythology, Goddess Parvati had performed this Vrat to get Lord Shiva as her husband. Hence it is widely believed that those observing this Gauri Vrata would be blessed with an ideal husband.

Radhika T V