Gauri Tritiya

Gauri Tritiya (often called Chaitra Gauri Puja) falls on the third day (Tritiya) of Chaitra Maasa. It is a sacred day dedicated to Goddess Gauri (Parvati) to pray for marital harmony, good fortune, and progeny.  A turmeric-form (Haldi Gauri) or specific household icon of the divine couple (Siva and Parvati) is worshipped, accompanied by traditional offerings like paanaka (jaggery water), buttermilk, and kosambari.  

Who Should Perform It

• Married Women (Sumangalis): Performed to seek the long life and well-being of their husbands and family prosperity.
• Unmarried Girls: Observed with the prayer of attaining a compatible, righteous husband.
• Brides-to-be: In the Madhwa tradition, it is a prominent custom for a bride to perform Gowri Pooja prior to her wedding muhurtha for a blessed married life.

Key Rituals

• Invocation: Usually begins on Chaitra Shukla Tritiya and can extend up to Akshaya Tritiya in some house traditions.
• Form of the Goddess: A small image made of fresh turmeric (arisina gowri) is prepared and placed alongside an image or picture of Shiva-Parvati.
• Offerings (Naivedya): Traditional spring items like paanaka, sprouted moong (kosambari), and seasonal fruits.
• Social Sharing: Inviting local sumangalis to offer baagina (a traditional collection of auspicious items) and taamboola.