Gowri Habba (Kannada: ಗೌರಿ ಹಬ್ಬ) is a Hindu festival celebrated a day before Ganesh Chaturthi.
It is a significant festival in parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It is known as Hartalika in a few North Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Ma Goddess Gowri (Gauri), the mother of Ganesha and wife of Shiva, is worshipped throughout India for her ability to bestow upon her devotees courage and power. Hindu belief has it that Goddess Gowri is the very incarnation of Aadhi Shakthi Mahamaya. She is the Shakthi of Lord Shiva. It is believed that on Thadige, or the third day of the month of Bhaadra, Goddess Gowri comes home like any married girl comes to her parents' house. The next day Lord Ganesha, her son, comes as if to take her back to Kailasa.
The Swarna Gowri vratha is performed on the occasion, to appease the Goddess.
Read more about Gowri Habba: Swarna Gowri Vratha Rituals, Gauri Habbada - Mangaladravya, Customs