Gauri Vrata is an important ritual observed for five days by unmarried women and young girls in the month of Ashada (July – August) mainly in
Gujarat. Here is a brief account
on how to observe Gauri Vrata?
The Vrata is observed for a good husband and is dedicated to Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Daily purification rituals include bathing in early morning.
Those observing Gauri Vrata grow corn or wheat in a small pot. Sun and the tender corn shoots are worshipped on all day along with Goddess Parvati and Shiva.
The vrat is observed for five days – vegetarian food is eaten on the day.
During the five days salt is strictly avoided.
Food consumed is mainly made of wheat flour, ghee and milk.
Different types of fruits are also eaten during the period.
On the last day of the vrat, the shoots are eaten and given as Prasad to family members, relatives and friends.
The corn pot is retained and the mud and the remaining parts of corn are to be put under a tree.