Choodi Pooja is observed during Shravan Month and is of great importance to Konkanis all over. Tulsi Plant and Lord Surya are worshipped during Choodi Pooja, which is observed on Fridays and Sundays in Shravana Maasa (month). The main ritual involves the exchange of a small bouquet of flowers by married women.
Konkani Bhasha Vidyarthi Mandal (KBVM) organized a session on “Choodi Pooja Mahathva” on August 20, 2025, in Lecture Hall No:06 at 3:30 P.M. The Resource Person of the session, Mrs. Chethana Gadiyar, said that ‘Choodi’ is derived from the Kannada word ‘Soodi,’ which means a tied bundle. The main ritual involves arrangements of flowers and herbs in a small bundle. Usually a bundle will contain four to five flowers, Darba grass, and two or three herbs. A sweet mixture of puffed rice, coconut, and jaggery is prepared on the day and offered during puja. Some people prepare Panchakajjaya, a sweet made of five ingredients. Locally available herbs and flowers are used to prepare the Chudi. Some of the common flowers and herbs used include Ratnagandhi, Shanka Pushpa, Darba Grass, Gauri Pushpa, etc. The flowers are arranged with some artistic sense. First Tulsi Puja is done. Next is the worship of the sun. The freshly prepared Choodi is offered to Tulsi. Next a puja is performed at the entrance of the house, and this is followed by a pooja in the puja room. Young women will offer choodis to elderly women and take blessings. Elderly women will also gift young women with choodis. A total of 23 students have actively participated in the activity.
- Women perform the pooja for the health, prosperity, and welfare of their entire family.
- For married women, the ritual symbolizes the completeness of their married life and brings goodwill.
- The sacred herbs used in the floral bundles (choodis) are believed to be purifying and protective against negative energies, invoking peace and prosperity.
- A key outcome is the fostering of strong social and family bonds. Throughout the month of Shravana, women visit each other’s homes to exchange the sacred choodis, an act that strengthens community ties.
- Inculcating a value system among students.
Report By,
Mrs. Sujatha G. Nayak
