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Nagpur Royals Revive 300-Year-Old Gauri Tradition
16 Sep
Summary
- Royal family revives a nearly 300-year-old Gauri tradition in Nagpur.
- Families across Vidarbha celebrate Mahalaxmi, welcoming goddesses as daughters.
- Markets buzz with shoppers preparing for the elaborate three-day festival.
The ancestral tradition of welcoming silver Mahalakshmis, initiated by Raghuji Bhonsle I in 1728, is being ceremonially revived by the Bhonsle royal family in Nagpur. This ancient practice, dating back nearly three centuries, will be observed on Thursday, mirroring the devotion seen in thousands of households across Vidarbha. Families across the region prepare for Mahalaxmi, also known as Gauri, welcoming the goddesses as daughters returning home and adorning them with sarees and jewelry. Variations in how the deities are assembled, from metal stands to earthen pots, showcase the evolving customs within families. Maharashtra's prominent Ganeshotsav celebration sees a unique Vidarbha style focused on Mahalaxmi. Markets in Mahal, Itwari, and Sitabuldi experienced significant rushes as shoppers sought essential items like mukhvats, sarees, ornaments, flowers, and decorative materials. Puja stores are well-stocked for the three-day festival, anticipating high demand for items, with mukhvat prices starting around Rs2,000. The culinary highlight occurs on Friday with an elaborate mahanaivedya, often featuring puran poli and various delicacies, shared with relatives and friends. The three-day festival, beginning with the ceremonial arrival on Thursday and a grand feast on Friday, concludes with visarjan on Saturday.
