Venita Gomes
Married women from the village of Arpora, North Goa, performed Gauri Puja by worshipping various waterbodies such as wells, lakes, rivers and ponds on Friday, September 2023.
With water in their mouths, and without speaking, the women walked towards the well to perform the puja on the occasion.
They carried a decorated kalas (pot) and patri (leaves) as they headed for the well.
This annual puja is performed to honour and worship Goddess Gauri (Parvati), who is the mother of Lord Ganesh and consort of Lord Shiva.
On this occasion, women pray for the gift of a child, happiness in married life and prosperity in their families.
On the day of the puja, special food is offered to the goddess.
Fruits are also a part of the traditional vojem offered on the occasion.