Varanasi: Thousands of women gathered at the Mangla Gauri temple near Panchganga Ghat to seek the blessings of the deity on the auspicious occasion of Hartalika Teej on Monday, even as installation of Lord Ganesh idols began at puja venues and pandals across the city.Women began arriving at the Mangla Gauri temple before dawn, carrying puja thalis and chanting praises of the goddess. The massive turnout led to long queues in and around the temple during the morning.After rituals and aarti were performed, the temple doors were opened for devotees, who offered flowers, chunari, sindoor and other worship materials to the deity. They prayed for marital bliss, peace and prosperity in their families and a long-lasting marital fortune.The temple, located near one of Kashi’s most sacred ghats, holds special religious significance and witnesses heavy footfall on Teej, said temple priest Deepak Kumar Pandey. He said devotees visit the shrine to seek the goddess’s blessings for happiness, prosperity and marital well-being.Meanwhile, preparations for Ganesh Utsav also gained momentum in the city, with organisers beginning the installation of idols at various puja venues and pandals.The 18th Shri Ganesh Utsav of the Shri Kashi Maratha Ganesh Utsav Samiti will begin on September 14 at Sherwali Kothi in Thatheri Bazaar. A six-foot eco-friendly replica of Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja, made using clay and natural colours, will be installed for worship.Maha aarti will be performed twice daily during the festival, in the morning and at night. Other Ganesh Puja organisers also began installing idols at their respective venues as preparations gathered pace for the celebrations.
