During this festival, married women observe a day-long fast
and offer prayers to Goddess Gauri for the well-being and prosperity of their
families. The word "Jagrat" means awake, and it signifies that the
puja is performed all through the night. Women stay awake, singing devotional
songs, chanting mantras, and offering various offerings to the Goddess.
The festival usually falls on the fifth day (Panchami) of
the lunar month of Shravan, which typically corresponds to July or August in the
Gregorian calendar.
In Odisha, the Jagrat Gauri Puja holds immense cultural and
religious significance, and it is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm
in various parts of the state. It not only strengthens the bond between married
couples but also fosters a sense of community among devotees who come together
to participate in the rituals and celebrations.