Regional Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Annapurna Puja
Annapurna Puja is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna — the divine provider of food and nourishment, a form of Parvati. "Anna" means food and "Purna" means complete; she is the one who gives food in abundance. The festival is especially important in Varanasi (Kashi), where the famous Annapurna temple is located, and in Bengal where it is observed on Chaitra Ashtami. Farmers, households, and food-related businesses worship her to ensure plentiful harvests and freedom from hunger. She is depicted holding a jewelled vessel of food and a golden ladle.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
Worship of the goddess of food and abundance to ensure freedom from hunger, plentiful harvests, and nourishment for all. Annapurna is said to feed even Lord Shiva himself, symbolizing that spiritual life depends on physical sustenance.
Rituals & Traditions
Worship Annapurna with offerings of cooked rice, dal, and sweets. Distribute free food (anna daan) to the poor and needy. Cook special bhog in the kitchen. Decorate kitchen and hearth. Recite Annapurna Stotram. Visit Annapurna temples. Farmers offer first grains of the harvest.
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Annapurna Puja?
Annapurna Puja is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna — the divine provider of food and nourishment, a form of Parvati. "Anna" means food and "Purna" means complete; she is the one who gives food in abundance. The festival is especially important in Varan...
Q.What is the significance of Annapurna Puja?
Worship of the goddess of food and abundance to ensure freedom from hunger, plentiful harvests, and nourishment for all. Annapurna is said to feed even Lord Shiva himself, symbolizing that spiritual life depends on physical sustenance.
Q.What are the rituals of Annapurna Puja?
Worship Annapurna with offerings of cooked rice, dal, and sweets. Distribute free food (anna daan) to the poor and needy. Cook special bhog in the kitchen. Decorate kitchen and hearth. Recite Annapurna Stotram. Visit Annapurna temples. Farmers offer first grains of the harvest.
Q.What foods are made during Annapurna Puja?
Khichdi, Panchamrit, Kheer, Puri, Chana dal halwa, Coconut rice, Seasonal fruits