Ganesh Chaturthi is an important Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India, in Maharashtra this festival is celebrated with special enthusiasm. According to the Puranas, Lord Ganesha was born on this day. During Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees worship the Hindu god Ganesha by installing large statues of him at prominent places. These idols are worshipped for nine days, for which a large number of tourists from nearby areas come. After nine days of worship, Ganesh idols are ceremonially immersed in water bodies like ponds and seas with songs and musical instruments. Lord Ganesha is also known as Lambodar. According to Shiv Puran, Mangalmoorti Ganesha appeared on the Chaturthi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. In contrast, the Ganesha Purana states that this incarnation took place on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi.
Key Aspects of Vinayaka Chaturthi
Significance:It is the celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. Lord Ganesha is considered the destroyer of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity and auspiciousness.
Idol Installation:Devotees install clay idols of Ganesha in homes, public pandals, or offices. The idol installation is done during the auspicious muhurta, which is usually the morning or afternoon. After the installation of the idol, special prayers are offered.
Pranapratishtha:After the installation of the idol, Ganesha is offered Pranapratishtha, in which life is instilled in the idol by chanting mantras and stotras. Red flowers, durva (doob), and modaks are offered to Ganesha.
Daily Puja and Aarti:Ganesh is offered puja and aarti every morning and evening for ten days. Devotees recite Ganesh Stotra, Ganapati Atharvashirsha, and Ganesh Chalisa.
Modak Bhog:Modak is considered to be Lord Ganesha's favorite food, so it is specially prepared and offered to Ganesha. Apart from this, laddus, paan, coconut, and other sweets are also offered.
Special events and cultural events:Cultural events such as music, dance, drama, and bhajan evenings are organised during this period. Competitions and community feasts are also organised.
Immersion (Ganesh Visarjan):On the tenth day, called Anant Chaturdashi, Ganesha idols are immersed. During the immersion, processions are taken out in which devotees sing hymns of Ganesha and dance while immersing the idol in a river, pond or sea.
Astrological significance:The festival begins on the fourth day of Shukla Paksha and continues till Anant Chaturdashi (fourteenth day). It is considered auspicious for the beginning of new tasks, gaining wisdom and removing obstacles.
Calculation of Ganesh Chaturthi date
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. The exact date varies every year and is based on the lunar calendar.
Mythological stories
According to a major legend, Parvati made an idol of Ganesha from her Ubtan and breathed life into it. Parvati appointed him as the gatekeeper. When Shivji tried to enter Parvati's room, Ganesha stopped him. Angered, Shiva beheaded Ganesha. Later, on Parvati's request, Shiva revived Ganesha by attaching an elephant's head to him and blessed him with the status of the first worshipped deity.
Ganesh was blessed that he would be worshipped before any auspicious work is done, so that all obstacles can be removed.
Special Aspects
Social and Cultural Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi: This festival is not only religious, but also socially and culturally important. People gather, perform community worship and share happiness with each other.
Eco-sensitive Ganesh Chaturthi:Nowadays, keeping in mind environmental protection, the use of clay idols and artificial immersion are being arranged. The aim of this initiative is to save water sources from pollution and keep the environment safe.
This festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is a symbol of devotion, faith, and community harmony towards Lord Ganesha.
