On the third day, the Gauri idol is taken in a grand procession for visarjan (immersion). This ritual symbolizes the return of the Goddess to her divine abode and is accompanied by singing, dancing, and the chanting of mantras (a word or sound that is believed to have a special spiritual power).
Koli boys gather for a group photo with the idol of the Goddess before it is taken for visarjan (immersion). The festival not only brings people together in a spirit of unity and joy but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage amidst the changing urban landscape of Mumbai.
The idol is installed at an auspicious time, with priests performing the necessary rituals to invoke the presence of the Goddess. After installation, the Goddess is welcomed by aarti (waving the sacred fire in front of the deity).
In Maharashtra, Gauri Poojan coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi, when the Goddess Gauri visits homes a day or two before the Ganesha idol is installed. Goddess Gauri is considered the mother of Lord Ganesha, and they are worshipped simultaneously.
The boat owners consider it a great honour to receive the Goddess on their boat. Aaarti (waving the sacred fire in front of the deity) is performed when the Goddess arrives on deck, and blessings are taken from the scared fire of the aarti.
Villagers hold up an umbrella to protect the Goddess from rain as devotees line the way, seeking darshan (sight) of the deity and praying for her blessings.
On the first day, families come together to clean and decorate their homes and the community spaces. Homes are decorated with flowers, rangoli (intricate patterns made with coloured powders), and oil lamps.
Koli women play a central role in all the rituals and celebrations. Dressed in traditional attire and jewellery, the women of the household purify the home, perform the puja (prayers of devotional homage) rituals, and prepare the offerings with sincerity and devotion.
In coastal Maharashtra, Jyeshtha Gauri is typically worshipped as a metal facemask attached to an anthropomorphic body adorned with traditional Koli attire and jewellery. A Nauvari saree, a type of saree worn by Koli women, is offered to the Goddess and changed every year.