What is gauna?

Gauna is a traditional festival celebrated in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is mainly celebrated by the Marathi communities, and it is a harvest festival that marks the end of the monsoon season. The festival is celebrated in the month of Ashwin (September/October) and is typically a three-day affair.

On the first day of the festival, people prepare for the Rathotsava, a grand procession that is taken out to the village temple. The procession consists of beautifully decorated bullock carts, accompanied by music and dance performances. On the second day, devotees observe a fast and offer prayers to the goddess Mumbadevi.

The third day of the festival is known as Annakut day and is considered the most significant day of the festival. On this day, people offer various food items as an offering to the deity. The food items include rice, lentils, vegetables, and sweets. These offerings are then distributed among the people as Prasad.

Gauna is not just a festival; it is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. This festival brings together people from different backgrounds and reinforces the values of community spirit, kindness, and generosity.