(Shukravar) The fifth day of the Hindu
week, whose presiding planet is Venus
(Shukra). Friday is also the day of
the week dedicated to the Goddess and
is thus potentially a powerfully
auspicious day. Although the Goddess
can be worshiped in many forms, one
of the most popular in northern India
is Santoshi Ma. Worship of Santoshi
Ma has spread dramatically since its
origin in the mid-1970s.