Lalita Panchami, also known as Upang Lalita Vrat, is a fasting day dedicated to Goddess Lalita. Upang Lalita Vrat is observed on the fifth day after Sharad Navratri. Goddess Lalita is also known as Tripura Sundari and Shodashi and is regarded as one of the 10 Mahavidhyas.
Lalita Panchami fasting is more popular in Gujarat and some parts of Maharashtra.
Rituals during Lalita Panchami:
1) Fasting is an important ritual on Lalita Panchami and is known as ‘Lalita Panchami Vrat’. by performing this sacred vrat, devotees are bestowed with immense strength and power.
2) Special rituals and pujas are performed on this in honour of the Goddess. In some places, there are community puja wherein all women offer prayers together. On Lalita Panchami, along with Goddess Lalita, Hindu devotees also worship Lord Shiva and Skandamata.
3) On Lalita Panchami, huge gatherings of devotees can be witnessed in Goddess Lalita’s temples. They come from far and wide to participate in the puja rituals held especially on this day. in some regions, on this day, grand fairs are also held that provides lot of zeal and enthusiasm.
4) On this day it is very propitious to read or recite Vedic mantras dedicated to Goddess Lalita. It is a popular belief that by doing so, all the problems in life, both personal and business related, will be immediately resolved.
Significance of Lalita Panchami:
The religious significance of Lalita Panchami can be read in various Hindu scriptures like ‘Kalika Purana’. The worship of Goddess Lalita is considered very important and special in the Hindu culture. As per the legends it is believed that on this auspicious day Goddess Lalita appeared to defeat ‘Bhanda’, who was a demon created from Kamadeva’s ashes. Hence Lalita Panchami is celebrated as the appearance or ‘Jayanthi’ of Goddess Lalita. Goddess Lalita is an avatar of Goddess Durga and is associated with ‘Panch Mahabhutas’ (the five elements represented as earth, air, fire, water and space. In the southern region of India, Goddess Lalita is considered to be a form of Goddess Chandi. On Lalita Panchami, devotees worship the Goddess whole-heartedly and observe a strict fast in Her honour. It is believed that by merely sighting the Goddess on this day gives relief from sufferings and troubles in life. After being pleased by worship, the Goddess blesses Her devotees with contentment and happiness.