Annapurna Jayanthi is ascribed to the emergence of Sri Annapurna Devi, one of the incarnations of Sri Parvathi Devi. The festival occurs on the Pournami (Full moon day) of the Margashira month. Goddess Sri Annapurna Devi is the Deity for food, nourishment and sustenance.
For the Year 2023, Annapurna Jayanthi occurs on Tuesday, 26th December 2023. The exact duration of the Pournami Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars.
Legend
As per the legend, once, Bhagwan Shiva was afflicted with hunger. No amount of food could quench His hunger. He was roaming around all the worlds.
Sri Parvathi Devi took the form of Sri Annapurni at Kasi and had a golden vessel in Her hand. From the vessel, with the golden ladle, She gave food to Bhagwan Shiva. His hunger subsided.
He then ordained that Sri Annapurni should provide food to all living beings and that Her vessel would be called as ‘’Akshaya Pathra”.
The day when Sri Parvathi Devi had incarnated as Sri Annapurna is considered as Annapurna Jayanthi day.
Women devotees predominantly observe this festival for the welfare and nourishment of their family members.
Rituals
The devotees rise early in the morning and take holy bath. The Puja place at the homes is cleaned. The idol / picture of Sri Annapurna Devi is kept on a plank. The Deity is then adorned with Chandan, Kumkum, Turmeric and flowers. Lamps and incense sticks are lit.
The slokas / stotrams invoking Sri Annapurna Devi including Sri Annapurna Ashtakam are read and recited with devotion.
Fruits and sweets are offered as Neivedyam and distributed to all as prasadam. Sri Annapurna Devi is prayed sincerely and devoutly. The devotees seek Her blessings for keeping and maintaining abundant stock of grains and foodstuff at home.
Some of the devotees observe Nirjal Upvas for the welfare of their families. There is also a practice of applying Chandan and Kumkum to the stoves and utensils as a mark of respect as they help in preparation of food.
Making donation of food grains and food to the poor and the needy is considered virtuous and auspicious.
It is believed that devout observation of this festival shall result in maintenance of good food grains throughout the Year for the nourishment of the family.
Special prayers are conducted at Sri Annapurna temples across the country.
ॐ भगवत्यै विद्महे महेश्वर्यै च धीमहि तन्नो अन्नपूर्णा: प्रचोदयात्
Om bhagavathyai vidhmahae maheshwaryai cha Dheemahi thanno anna poorNaah prachodhayaath
