Margashirsha Guruvar Vrat 2024: Date, Puja Vidhi, Rituals and Significance of Mahalakshmi Vrat

In Maharashtra, the Margashirsha month is very important in the Hindu religion and is considered one of the most holy months. It starts after the Diwali festival, and this year, Margashirsha Month Begin on December 2, 2024 and Guruvar Vrat will begin on December 5, 2024. A special tradition in Maharashtra is the Margashirsha Guruvar Vrat, a fast for Goddess Lakshmi, which is observed every Guruvar (Thursday) during this month.

Those who perform the Mahalaxmi Guruvar Vrat with devotion and faith are believed to receive the blessings of Goddess Mahalaxmi, who showers her grace upon them. However, even after attaining prosperity, one should remain humble and continue observing the vrat regularly, meditating on the goddess. It is said that by doing so, the goddess remains ever-present, fulfills desires, and ensures her divine protection.

During this period, homes are adorned with beautiful decorations featuring mango leaves, a water-filled kalash placed on a wooden platform, and an idol of Mahalaxmi symbolizing her divine presence. The rituals include singing hymns in praise of the goddess, performing aarti, and offering naivedya (sacred food). These traditions reflect the grandeur and spiritual significance of the vrat.

During this time, people set up a "Kalash" at home and performs devotional pujas with great fervor. The last Thursday of the month is celebrated with a Haldi-Kumkum ceremony, a unique tradition in Maharashtra. Here are the Thursdays (Guruvar Vrat) in the Margashirsha month this year:

Here are the Margashirsha Guruvar Vrat 2024 Dates:

• First Guruvar (Thursday) – December 5, 2024

• Second Guruvar (Thursday) – December 12, 2024

• Third Guruvar (Thursday) – December 19, 2024

• Fourth Guruvar (Thursday) – December 26, 2024

Also Read | Margashirsha Guruvar Vrat 2024 Rangoli Designs: Easy, Simple Kalash, and Beautiful Rangoli Design Images to Welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity.
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Margashirsha Guruvar Vrat Puja Vidhi Video:

​​Margashirsha Guruvar Vrat Puja Vidhi: 

1. Preparation of the Puja Space:
   • Clean the area where Goddess Lakshmi's idol will be placed.
   • Draw a rangoli around the platform (pat).
      

2. Setup:

   • Place a red cloth on the platform and spread rice grains over it.
   • Position a copper Kalash on the rice. Apply turmeric and vermillion to the Kalash. Fill it with water, rice grains, durva grass, a coin, and a betel nut.
   • Cover the Kalash with betel or mango leaves and place a coconut on top.
      

3. Placement of the Idol:

   • Spread rice on the red cloth and establish the Kalash on it. Place a photo or idol of Goddess Lakshmi next to it.
      

4. Offerings:

   • Arrange betel leaves, coconut, dry fruits like almonds and dates, sugar candy, jaggery, and fresh fruits in front of the Kalash.
      

5. Puja Rituals:

   • Perform the puja with devotion, reciting Lakshmi mantras and offering the prepared items.
   • Conclude the puja by presenting Naivedya (offering of food) to Goddess Lakshmi.

Also Read | Margashirsha Guruvar Vrat 2024 Aarti: Jai Devi Jai Devi Jai Mahalakshmi Aarti Lyrics in English for Mahalaxmi Vrat Puja.

In Maharashtra, observing the Margashirsha Guruvar vrat is a practice rooted in deep devotion. Women and young girls worship Goddess Lakshmi on these Thursdays, read her katha (story), and observe a fast throughout the day. The Margashirsha Guruvar vrat concludes with offering Naivedya to the goddess, symbolizing gratitude and devotion.

The primary objective of this vrat is to ensure lasting prosperity, abundance, and the constant presence of Mahalaxmi's blessings in the household. Sweet delicacies are prepared as offerings for the goddess, and women read the sacred story of Mahalaxmi with great reverence. On the final Thursday of the vrat, known as Udyapan, the rituals are concluded by offering turmeric, vermillion, fruits, and other gifts to married women (suhasinis).

In many households, non-vegetarian food is avoided throughout the month as a mark of respect and devotion to the goddess.