The difficult 17-day Mahavrat was formally concluded on Wednesday at the Maa Annapurna temple in the religious city of Kashi. A large number of devotees attended the temple on the occasion.
On the occasion, farmers offered the first paddy grains of their new harvest at the feet of Maa Annapurna. The temple premises were decorated with several quintals of paddy grains, as if the entire courtyard had been illuminated with gold. Along with Maa Annapurna, other deities were also specially decorated with paddy grains. The Maa’s court was a sight to behold.
This difficult fast begins on Ekadashi (the eleventh day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon fortnight) of Margashirsha month and continues until the Udyapan (the end of the 17th day). Devotees observing the fast wear 17 knots and 17 threads and consume only fruits (without salt) once a day for the entire 17 days.
On the day of the Udyapan, special decorations, aarti, and offerings were offered to Goddess Annapurna.
The temple’s Mahant, Shri Shankar Puri Ji Maharaj, explained that this ancient tradition has been continuing for centuries. It not only ensures prosperity in food and wealth but also fulfills all the wishes of the devotees.
A large number of devotees attended the temple on this occasion, and the entire atmosphere reverberated with chants of praise for Goddess Annapurna.