Ganeshotsav is one of the grandest festivals in Maharashtra, and along with Lord Ganesha, devotees also welcome Gauri Ganpati, a revered form of Goddess Parvati.
Gauri, also known as Jyeshtha Gauri, is believed to bring prosperity, peace, and happiness to every household.
Some traditions also worship Mata Gauri in the form of Mahalakshmi.
The three-day celebration includes Gauri Avahan (invocation), Gauri Pujan, and Gauri Visarjan, performed with devotion and joy across Maharashtra.
In 2025, Gauri Puja coincides with Anuradha Nakshatra in the Bhadrapada month, making the rituals even more auspicious.
Gauri Ganpati 2025 Dates & Muhurat
According to the Hindu Panchang, here are the important timings for this year’s Gauri Ganpati festival:
- Gauri Aavahan – 31 August 2025
- Gauri Poojan – 1 September 2025
- Gauri Visarjan – 2 September 2025
During these three days, devotees invite Gauri Mata home, perform puja, offer naivedya, conduct Haldi-Kumkum ceremonies, and finally bid her farewell with a visarjan.
Mata Gauri as the Beloved Daughter Returning Home
In Indian tradition, a married daughter often returns to her mother’s home for a few days, where she is pampered, cherished, and made to relive the carefree joy of her earlier days.
The festival of Gauri Ganpati beautifully mirrors this sentiment. Mata Gauri, the mother of all creation and the divine form of Goddess Parvati, is welcomed into homes not only as a revered deity but also as a beloved daughter.
Just like families shower affection on their daughters, devotees lovingly decorate Gauri, adorn her with jewels and new clothes, offer her delicious panchpakwanas (special dishes), and celebrate her presence with warmth and joy.
Thus, Gauri’s arrival during Ganeshotsav is both a sacred worship of the Universal Mother and a tender expression of familial love towards a daughter returning home. This blend of devotion and affection makes Gauri Ganpati one of the most heartfelt celebrations within Ganeshotsav.
“When Gauri comes home, she is worshipped as the Mother of all creation, yet cherished like a beloved daughter returning to her parents’ home – pampered with love, adorned with beauty, and celebrated with joy.”
The Significance of Gauri Puja
Gauri is considered the mother of Lord Ganesha and a powerful form of Goddess Parvati. Some traditions also worship her as Mahalakshmi, symbol of happiness and prosperity.
- Dual Form: Gauri is said to arrive with her sister Kanishtha Gauri, representing harmony and balance.
- Women’s Festival: Married women (suvasinis) perform rituals, invite each other for Haldi-Kumkum, and pray for family prosperity.
- Household Prosperity: Devotees believe that when Gauri arrives, she blesses the house with happiness, abundance, and peace.
Rituals of Gauri Ganpati
- Gauri Avahan – Gauri idols or mukhavtas (decorated faces) are brought home at the auspicious muhurat.
- Decoration & Shringar – The idols are adorned with sarees, jewellery, flowers, and ornaments.
- Puja & Offerings – Panchpakwan (five delicacies) are prepared, and Naivedya is offered.
- Haldi-Kumkum – Women exchange turmeric and vermilion as a symbol of goodwill and blessings.
- Visarjan – On the third day, Gauri is immersed with prayers for her return the following year.
Nashik’s Traditional Marketplaces During Gauri Puja
Today I visited the oldest marketplace of Nashik on the banks of the Godavari which houses three markets in all – Bhandi Bazaar (utensils), Kaapad Bazaar (clothes), and Saraf Bazaar (jewellery).
These markets come alive before Gauri Ganpati, buzzing with preparations and festive shopping.
Stalls displayed:
- Gauri Mukhavtas (idol faces) in vibrant colours
- Ornate jewellery sets for the goddess
- Bright sarees and decorative items
- Household essentials for puja and feasting
The atmosphere was electric – families carefully choosing ornaments, women bargaining for sarees, and children marvelling at the glittering stalls.
The sight of golden Gauri masks, pearl necklaces, and traditional jewellery truly reflects how Nashik prepares to welcome the goddess with grandeur.
Cultural Beauty of Gauri Ganpati
The festival is not only about rituals but also about community bonding. Women gather for Haldi-Kumkum ceremonies, neighbours exchange sweets, and homes glow with traditional rangoli and floral decorations.
The three days of Gauri Puja strengthen family ties and cultural traditions while adding devotion to the Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Gauri Mata
Gauri Ganpati 2025 will be celebrated with devotion from 31 August to 2 September. With auspicious muhurats, heartfelt rituals, and vibrant marketplaces, the festival unites spirituality with cultural joy.
Whether you are in Nashik’s bustling old bazaars or at home with family, welcoming Gauri Mata brings blessings of health, happiness, and prosperity.
This year, as you decorate and worship Ma Gauri, may the goddess shower her divine grace on your home and loved ones.
FAQs on Gauri Ganpati 2025
When is Gauri Pujan in 2025?
Gauri Pujan in 2025 will be observed on Monday, 1 September 2025, during the Bhadrapada month. The puja can be performed throughout the day, but the most auspicious time is during Pradosh Kaal.
What are the dates of Gauri Ganpati 2025?
The three-day festival will be celebrated as follows:
Gauri Avahan (invitation): 31 August 2025
Gauri Pujan: 1 September 2025
Gauri Visarjan: 2 September 2025
Why is Gauri Puja celebrated?
Gauri Puja is performed to welcome Goddess Gauri, a form of Goddess Parvati or Mahalakshmi. She is believed to bring happiness, wealth, prosperity, and peace into homes.
What is the importance of Jyeshtha Gauri?
Jyeshtha and Kanishtha Gauri are considered sisters who come together during the festival. Their presence symbolises prosperity, balance, and harmony in family life.
What are Gauri Mukhavtas?
Gauri Mukhavtas are decorated faces or masks of Goddess Gauri, made of clay or metal, beautifully adorned with sarees, jewellery, and ornaments. These are placed in homes for worship during the festival.
How is Gauri Ganpati celebrated in Nashik?
In Nashik, traditional markets like Bhandi Bazaar, Kaapad Bazaar, and Saraf Bazaar come alive with Gauri idols, mukhavtas, jewellery, and festive accessories. Families buy ornaments, sarees, and puja essentials to welcome the goddess with grandeur.
Related
- Diwali 2025: Festival of Lights and Traditions in Nashik - 17 October 2025
- Ramkund Landmark Building Being Demolished Ahead of Simhastha Kumbh 2027 - 14 October 2025
- Swadyog Thali Restaurant at Gangapur Road Nashik Review 2025 - 11 October 2025