Gauri Pooja and Ganesha Chaturthi

Gauri – Sister of Lord Ganesha? One might wonder what is the relationship between Gauri Pooja and Ganesha Chaturthi? Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most revered Hindu festivals in India which is celebrated with great fervor and devotion. Similarly, Gauri is also welcomed in the homes of Maharashtra, especially in Pune during Ganesha Chaturthi. Gauri Pooja is performed two days post Ganesha’s birthday. We all know that Gauri is another name of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha’s mother. But as per this custom, she is considered his sister who comes to visit him during Ganesha Chaturthi to every house he has visited. Two idols of Goddess Gauri are brought home and worshipped along with Ganesha. The idols are welcomed in the houses by drawing colorful footprints to welcome the Goddess. Generally, the two idols are kept in the house for three days – the first day is the welcoming of the Goddess, the second day is the performance of Satyanarayana Pooja and the third day is the immersion of the idols in water. After immersion, it is a custom for the people to bring small pieces of stones from the river and spread them in the house which symbolizes opulence and protection of plants and crops. The arrival of Goddess Gauri symbolizes health, wealth, prosperity and eternal bliss. Gauri Pooja in Indian states In Maharashtra, Goddess Gauri is symbolized as the sister of Lord Ganesha and is worshipped during Gauri Pooja. In Karnataka, Gauri Pooja is held on the day before or on Ganesha Chaturthi, where she is portrayed as his mother. In West Bengal, the idols of Gauri represent Goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswati, who along with Ganesha are believed to be the children of Goddess Parvati.For More Details https://www.astroved.com/astropedia/en/festivals/ganesh-chaturthi