Varanasi, 19 November (HS). The 17-day fast of Mother Annapurna, who also donated food to Kashipuradhipati, will start from Thursday. Women who pledge to fast on Panchami Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Margashirsha month i.e. the first day will take a thread of 17 knots from the hands of temple head Shankar Puri and wear it on their left hand. Whereas, male devotees will wear this thread in their right hand. By wearing a thread of 17 knots, devotees will start the 17-day fast of Mother Annapurna.
Devotees listen to the story in the temple itself. According to Mahant Shankar Puri, on the last day of the fast, the idol and temple of Goddess Annapurna will be decorated with paddy earrings as per tradition. New rice will be offered to the queen. It is noteworthy that after the harvest, farmers of various districts of Purvanchal offer their first crop of paddy at the feet of Mother Goddess. It is believed that by offering earrings of paddy at the feet of Mother Goddess, the storehouse of wealth remains full throughout the year.
