Annapurna Puja is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna and is observed during the Chaitra month. Annapurna Puja 2023 date is March 29. It falls on the eighth day during the Chaitra Navratri and is also part of Basanti Puja in eastern parts of India
Women and children recite the Annapurna Stotram on the Annapurna Puja day. Special idols of Goddess Annapurna are installed at home and in public pandals. Pujas and rituals as per traditions are conducted.
A similar puja known as Annapurna Jayanti is observed in North India in the Margashirsh Month (December).
Symbolically, Goddess Annapurna is that aspect of Mother Nature that nourishes all living beings. At Kashi, Lord Shiva is believed to be taking food in a begging bowl from Goddess Parvati. Nourishment is needed for the attainment of knowledge. Goddess
Annapurna Puja and Vrat at Home
Annapurna Puja is observed for the welfare of all living beings.
There is no vrat or fasting on the day because Goddess Annapurna is the goddess of food and she wants her children to be content and full.
House is cleaned in the morning hours. Take bath and first offer prayers to Ganesha.
Next place a photo or painting or idol of Goddess Annapurna.
Offer prayers to the murti (painting). You can follow usual puja method.
Leaves of fruit bearing trees are kept near the painting. Five different types of food. Five different types of grains are also place near the painting.
Chant mantras or prayers you know of Mother Goddess. Or the below one
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute
Make fresh food using seasonal and local produce. Share it with family members, relatives and neighbors.
Do Annadanam (food donation) especially to children. Feeding animals on the day also earn merits.
Read story of Goddess Annapurna and Lord Shiva.
Take pledge to not to waste any food. Make children and others members of the house realize that food is god and it should be worshipped.
Offer prayers three morning, noon and evening.
In the evening, distribute sweet made using rice or grains.
Other important rituals observed on the day include Annapurna Parikrama, Tara Ashtami, Ashokashtami and Bhavani Jayanti.
