Annapurna puja 2025: Know date, rituals, significance and more about Maa Annapurna

In Hinduism, Annapurna Puja holds a very special place. This puja is dedicated to Maa Annapurna, the Goddess of Food and Nourishment. She is believed to be the one who feeds all living beings and ensures no one goes hungry. Read on to know all about Annapurna Puja 2025, its date, rituals, and the deep significance of worshipping Maa Annapurna.

Who is Maa Annapurna?

Maa Annapurna is worshipped as the divine provider of food and nourishment. The word ＆Annapurna＊ is made up of two Sanskrit words 每 ＆Anna＊ meaning food or grain, and ＆Purna＊ meaning complete or full. So, Maa Annapurna is the one who gives plentiful food to all.

She is seen as a form of Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. She doesn＊t just feed the body but also helps in nourishing the soul. By her blessings, we are able to eat and survive in this world. Devotees believe that without her grace, there can be no life.

Annapurna Puja 2025 Date and Time

This year, Annapurna Puja 2025 will be observed on Saturday, 5 April 2025. According to the Bengali calendar, it falls on 22nd Chaitra and is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Chaitra Navratri.

This special day is also known as Basanti Puja in many parts of Eastern India.

Where is Annapurna Puja Celebrated?

Although Annapurna Puja is mainly observed in West Bengal, it is also celebrated in several states across Eastern and Northern India. Women play a big role in this puja, especially the mothers of the house. As Maa Annapurna is considered a motherly figure, many women take vows and perform this puja with deep devotion.

The Story Behind Annapurna Ashtami

There is a powerful story behind Annapurna Ashtami. According to Hindu legends, one day Lord Shiva told Goddess Parvati that everything in this world, including food, is just an illusion (Maya). Hearing this, Parvati got upset, as she is the goddess who represents food and all material things.

To show the true importance of food, she disappeared from the world. Without her, everything on earth became dry and lifeless. There was no food anywhere, and all living beings began to suffer.

Later, she appeared in Kashi (Varanasi) in the form of Maa Annapurna and started a kitchen to feed the hungry. Lord Shiva understood the importance of the physical world and asked her for food. She lovingly served him with her own hands. Since then, Maa Annapurna is worshipped as the goddess who provides food and nourishment, and a grand Annapurna Puja is performed in her honour.

Rituals and Rules of Annapurna Puja

If you＊re planning to do Annapurna Puja 2025 at home, here＊s a simple guide for you:

• Wake up early and take a bath.
• Clean your home and the place where the puja will be performed.
• Set up an idol or photo of Maa Annapurna.
• Begin the puja by performing Lord Ganesh＊s puja first.

As Maa Annapurna is a form of Goddess Parvati, offer her:

• Five types of fruits
• Five kinds of cooked food
• Five kinds of grains
• Sweets, vegetables, and other offerings (bhog).
• Chant or listen to the Annapurna Stotra during the puja.

After the puja:

• Distribute prasad to your family, neighbours, children, and especially the poor and needy.
• Some also feed cows (goseva) and other animals.
• Do not waste food on this day, as that goes against the blessings of Maa Annapurna.

Why Annapurna Puja is Important

The significance of Annapurna Puja goes beyond just worship. It teaches us the value of food and reminds us not to waste it. Food is a blessing, and this day is meant to express gratitude to Maa Annapurna for keeping us nourished and alive.

Annapurna Puja 2025 is not just a religious event 每 it＊s a day to thank the divine mother who feeds the world. By worshipping Maa Annapurna, we learn to appreciate food, care for others, and understand that spiritual and physical nourishment go hand in hand. Don＊t miss the chance to observe Annapurna Puja 2025 and receive the blessings of the goddess of nourishment.

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