Sanjhi is a very important festival celebrated in Haryana in the month of October. All the young unmarried girls who seek the blessings of Mother Goddess( Durga matha ) specially celebrate this festival. They ask her grace for a good husband and family. They intercede for a happy married life in the future.

On this day they make several images of the Mother Goddess with clay and mud. This image is called the “Sanjhi” , which comprises of shapes like the stars, moon, faces etc. These shapes are then brightly colored and decorated.

This goddess is a symbol of health, wealth and prosperity. In the rural areas the Sanjhi is made out of cow dung paste. This is then placed on the walls of the girl’s house and this form is worshipped. It is believed that Mother Goddess will only enter the houses, which has a sanjhi .

The sanjhi is then worshipped for 9 days. Offerings like food and clothes are also offered to honor the Sanjhi.

When traveling through the districts of Haryana in Late September or October, do not be surprised to see dung idols outside people’s house. In fact go through the village or district and see the various creative Sanjhi’s made by the believers.