Gauri Aagman 2026: Decorate the makhar at home with flowers, lamps and cloth
With Gauri arriving on September 17, here is how to decorate the makhar at home using flowers, paper, lamps and cloth without spending much.
Every year Gauri comes to her maternal home for three days. Over these three days the sequence is Gauri Aavahan, Gauri Pujan and, on the third day, the immersion of Gauri and Ganpati. This year Gauri Aavahan falls on Thursday, September 17, with the muhurat for invocation lasting until 7:52 pm that day. The Gauri puja can be performed any time during the day on Friday. The time for Gauri immersion is Saturday, September 19, from 6:27 am to 6:38 pm.
The decoration of the makhar is given great importance on the day of Gauri's arrival, but there is no need to buy expensive items for it. An attractive and traditional makhar can be made at home using flowers, paper and lamps that are easily available.
Marigold, rose and mogra can be used to decorate the makhar with flowers. Putting up a floral toran or garlands on the makhar's frame makes the decoration stand out even more. Along with this, a traditional toran of mango leaves can also be put up on the makhar. Decorating with green leaves alongside flowers gives the makhar a distinct traditional look.
To keep costs down, the makhar can also be decorated with flowers, leaves and various shapes made from coloured paper, craft paper or cardsheet. A beautiful saree, dupatta or traditional cloth available at home can also be put up behind the makhar. Using a Paithani or silk cloth gives the makhar a traditional and striking appearance.
Putting up small earthen lamps or a string of LED lights around the makhar makes the entire decoration stand out more because of the light. However, care must be taken about safety while lighting the lamps. Drawing a traditional rangoli in front of or around the makhar also makes the decoration attractive, and a flower rangoli can be a good option for this.
Deciding on a theme for the entire decoration makes the makhar look neater. Any idea can be chosen among a floral theme, a traditional Maharashtrian theme or a natural decoration theme. Instead of thermocol or expensive items for the makhar, it is also possible to reuse cardboard, paper, old cloth, flowers and items already available at home.
While decorating the makhar, creativity and cleanliness matter more than expense. Even with the proper use of simple materials, an attractive, traditional and appealing makhar can be made at home. One thing to keep in mind while decorating is to ensure that the decoration does not stand out more than the Gauri idol itself. The makhar should be clean, safe and convenient for the puja. If using flowers and leaves, an effort should be made to keep them fresh.
