Agyaras

Agyaras is an auspicious event observed 2 days prior to Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali. This festival is mainly celebrated by the Patel community of Gujarat and the Vaishnavs. A host of preparations are done prior to the event. The houses are cleaned and decorated. New clothes and jewelry are purchased. A variety of sweets and savories are specially prepared for the event. Some amount of the delicacies is first offered to the family deity. Following the special rites and rituals pertaining to the day, the sweets are distributed among the family members. On the day of Agyaras, the minor girls falling in the 8-15 age groups observe a vow called Gauro. This special vow, involving fasting, continues till the day of Poonam (full moon).