Pithori Amavasya: mothers observe fast for their children's wellbeing
Mothers keep a fast and worship the sixty-four Yoginis on Pithori Amavasya, the last day of Shravan, for their children's long life and health
Pithori Amavasya, the last day of the Shravan month, falls just days before Ganesh Chaturthi. The day is observed as a mother's day of sorts, with mothers keeping a fast for the long life and good health of their children.
The word "Pithori" refers to idols made from flour, or "pitha". On this day, idols of the sixty-four Yoginis and the Sapta Matrikas are made from flour and worshipped according to ritual. Prayers are also offered for the growth of the family lineage and the protection of children. Pithori Amavasya is celebrated with particular fervour in villages and rural areas.
The goddesses worshipped on this day include Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Chamunda. This is why people mark the festival by sending greetings to relatives and family members.
There is also a tradition of saluting all mothers who stand firmly by their children even in difficult times. On this sacred Amavasya of Shravan, people also pray for the removal of sorrow and the arrival of happiness and prosperity in each other's homes.
