Gauri Tritiya (Gora Trai)

Kashmiri Pandits celebrate Gora-Trai or Gauri Tritya in the honour of goddess Saraswati on the third day of the shukla paksha of Magha. Gauri is the name of the Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning. 

On this day the family priest brings a portrait of the goddess, below which are printed some shlokas in praise of the goddess. Whenever a child is born or there has been an addition of a bride, the occasion is special and the family priest of the bride's parents also brings a specially decorated portrait and in return gets a handsome honorarium. This must have been the day of teaching the child the first alphabets after offering pooja to the goddess of learning. This is borne out by the fact that the following day is called Shruka tsoram or the Shloka Chaturthi. Obviously, on this day the child was taught the basic Sanskrit shlokas like 'Twameva Mata cha Pita twameva - O Lord, you are my mother as also my father.' This chaturthi is also known as 'Tripura Chaturthi' as the goddess is worshipped on this day in her Tripura Sundari form. The goddess is regarded as the energy aspect of the Supreme Divine. It is this aspect of energy that activates the Divine undertake the five functions of creation, sustenance, destruction, providing cover and granting grace.

According to ancient Hindu scriptures, Gauri tritiya fast is observed to get the blessing of Goddess Parvati. It is observed by the devotees to attain the blessings of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati.

It is believed that observing the fast with dedication and devotion towards the lord, helps the person attain a happy and prosperous life. Goddess Gauri is known best to fulfill the desires of her devotees.

According to Gauri Tritiya scriptures, those who worship the goddess with proper rituals are blessed with a good fortune. Females who observe this fast are blessed with a blissful married life and children. According to the legends, it is said that goddess Gauri took birth on earth in the form of King Daksha’s Daughter. She was known as Sati. She performed hard penance to get Lord Shiva in the form of a husband. Lord Shiva was pleased by her penance and fulfilled her wish.

Goddess Sati is known by various names in hindu culture. It is believed that Goddess Sati got married to Lord Shiva on the tritiya of Shukla paksha. Thus, it is considered to be an auspicious day for devotees. Observing this fast fulfills all the desires of the devotee.

On this day, the person observing the fast should wake up early in the morning, take bath and worship the whole family of Lord Shiva. He should first, bathe the idols of the god and the goddess with panchamrit. Then worship the idols with incense, rice, deep, and five types of fruits. The resolution of the fast should be taken before commencing the prayer.

Lord Ganesha should we worshipped with water, roli, vermillion, sacred thread, rice, betel leaves, cloves, supari, cardamom, bel patra, fruits, dry fruits, and some money. The idol of the goddess should be bathed with panchamrit, and decorate it with sindoor, chandan, henna etc. Cosmetics are used to adorn the idol of the goddess. After worshipping the idols, Gauri Tritiya katha is heard to conclude the prayer ceremony. 

It is a very important fast for females. The tritiya tithi is considered to be an auspicious day for married woman. Married women keep this fast for their husband’s long life.  Those who are unmarried keep this fast to get a compatible husband.