Hartalika Puja is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated mainly by women in India. Its celebrated on the third day of the Shukla Paksha of the lunar month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September, a day before Ganesh Chaturthi. On this day, there is a law to worship Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati duly. On this day, married women keep a fast for the long life and good health of their husbands and unmarried girls keep this fast to get the desired groom.
The name “Hartalika” procure from two words: “Harit” meaning “abduction” and “Aalika” meaning “female friend.” In Hindu Mythology, associated of this festival.
Hartalika Puja Vidhi
The Hartalika Vrat Puja Vidhi (ritual procedure) involves a series of steps and rituals that are followed to observe the fast and perform the worship of Goddess Parvati during the Hartalika Puja in Bangalore. Here is a general outline of the traditional puja vidhi:
Preparation
- Purify yourself: Take a bath early in the morning and wear clean, new clothes.
Puja Items
- Idol or picture of Goddess Parvati: Make an idol or picture of Goddess Parvati using sand, clay or turmeric. You can also use a picture or idol of Shiva and Parvati together.
- Panchamrit: Prepare a mixture of milk, curd, ghee (clarified butter), honey, and sugar.
- Sandalwood Paste and Kumkum: These are used for applying tilak (vermilion mark) on the idol or picture of the goddess.
- Flowers and Garland: Offer fresh flowers and a garland to the goddess.
- Incense Sticks and Diya (Lamp): Light incense sticks and a diya (lamp) as part of the puja.
- Akshata (Uncooked Rice): Offer uncooked rice to the goddess during the puja.
- Fruits and Sweets: Prepare fruits and sweets to offer as prasad (blessed offering) to the goddess.
Puja Vidhi
According to hartalika Puja Vidhi in Bangalore step by step
- Invocation (Avahan): Begin by invoking the presence of Goddess Parvati and seek her blessings to start the puja.
- Panchamrit Abhishek: Perform the abhishek of the goddess using panchamrit, pouring it is over the idol or picture while reciting her mantras.
- Sandalwood Paste and Kumkum: Apply sandalwood paste and kumkum to the idol or picture, symbolizing purification and auspiciousness.
- Offerings: Offer flowers, uncooked rice (akshata), incense sticks, and a lit diya to the goddess.
- Recitation of Mantras: Recite prayers, hymns, and mantras dedicated to Goddess Parvati. You can chant the “Om Parvatyai Namah” mantra or any other relevant mantras.
- Storytelling: Narrate the legend of Hartalika, emphasizing Goddess Parvati’s devotion and friendship.
- Aarti: Perform aarti by waving a lit diya in a circular motion in front of the goddess while singing an aarti song.