God:
Friday or Shukravar is dedicated to Shakti, the Mother
Goddess, and Santoshi Mata, an incarnation of Shakti. Goddesses Durga and Kali are worshipped with utmost devotion and devotees flock
to the Shakti temples on this day. Devotees listen to Durga Aarti, Kali Aarti
and Santoshi
Mata Aarti on this day.
Ritual:
Shukravar fasting begins at sunrise and ends with sunset and
devotees wear white dress and partakes in the evening meal that consists of
white-colored food like 'kheer' or 'payasam' a dessert made og milk and rice.
Great importance is attached to the 'Solah Shukravar Vrats'
or the 16 Friday fasts for Santoshi Mata, where a devotee fasts for 16
consecutive Fridays. It is mandatory on the devotee to avoid any sour food
items during this sixteen-week long Friday fasting and offer the goddess
'chana' (Bengal gram) and 'gur' (jaggery or solid molasses). Goddess Santoshi
Mata grants devotees any wish or desire if she is amply satisfied with the
purity of their devotion. Lord Shukra provides happiness and material wealth
and the period of Shukra in the devotees' astrological chart is considered to
be most productive and lucky.
Folklore:
According to one story, a devotee dishonors Lord Shukra, and
later when he faces several untoward incidents, he realizes his mistake, and
then begins rigorous fasting to propitiate the god. He is finally amply
rewarded.
Color & Gem:
White, Indigo, orange, violet, purple and burgundy colors are
preferred on Friday. Diamond is the preferred gem.
Celestial Body:
Venus or Shukra rules Friday
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