Kashi, Nov. 26 -- The 17-day, Mahavrat concluded on Wednesday at the Maa Annapurna temple in the religious city of Kashi. On the occasion, farmers offered the first paddy grains of their new harvest at the feet of Maa Annapurna.
The temple premises were decorated with paddy grains. Along with Maa Annapurna, other deities were also specially decorated with paddy grains.
This difficult fast begins on Ekadashi (the eleventh day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon fortnight) of Margashirsha month and continues until the Udyapan (the end of the 17th day). Devotees observing the fast wear 17 knots and 17 threads and consume only fruits (without salt) once a day for 17 days.
On the day of the Udyapan (the opening ceremony), special ...