Nagpur: As the festive atmosphere of Ganeshotsav continues across Maharashtra, homes are now preparing to welcome Gauri, revered as Mahalaxmi, for the traditional three-day celebration.
Gauri Avahan is being observed today, September 17, 2026, with families carrying out preparations to welcome the deity. Homes are being cleaned and decorated with flowers, rangolis and traditional ornaments, while women are busy preparing for the puja and festive naivedya.
Gauri is traditionally regarded as a daughter returning to her maternal home. This belief gives the festival a special emotional and cultural significance, particularly among Maharashtrian families.
Gold Rate
Sept 17,2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
Gauri Festival 2026: Puja and Visarjan Dates
The three-day Gauri festival will be observed according to the traditional Hindu calendar:
- September 17, 2026 – Gauri Avahan: Gauri is ceremonially welcomed into homes under Anuradha Nakshatra.
- September 18, 2026 – Gauri Pujan: The main puja and worship of Mahalaxmi will be performed under Jyeshtha Nakshatra.
- September 19, 2026 – Gauri Visarjan: The three-day celebration concludes with the ceremonial farewell to Gauri under Moola Nakshatra.
Homes Decorated to Welcome Mahalaxmi
Ahead of Gauri’s arrival, families traditionally clean and decorate their homes. Entrances are adorned with colourful rangolis and flower decorations, while a special place is prepared for the installation of Gauri.
After the ceremonial arrival, devotees perform puja and aarti and offer traditional naivedya. Different families follow different customs and rituals depending on their regional and family traditions.
Traditional Naivedya and Family Celebrations
Gauri Pujan is also associated with an elaborate festive meal. Families prepare a variety of traditional Maharashtrian dishes and offer them as naivedya to Mahalaxmi.
Devotees traditionally pray for prosperity, happiness, good health and peace in the family. The festival also provides an opportunity for families to come together and preserve customs passed down through generations.
Gauri Visarjan on September 19
After two days of welcoming and worshipping Gauri, devotees will bid farewell to the deity on September 19. The visarjan ceremony is expected to be marked by prayers and an emotional farewell as families conclude the three-day celebration.
With Ganeshotsav already underway, the arrival of Gauri has added another layer of devotion and celebration to the festive atmosphere across Nagpur and Maharashtra.
