- Chaturthi Tithi is from 12:39 PM on August 26 to 2:06 PM on August 27 in western parts of India.
Ganesha is today worshiped around the world and the Elephant-faced Hindu god is one of the most popular deities associated with Hinduism. Like symbol ‘
When is Ganesh Chaturthi Observed?
Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day after new moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August – September). Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Chaturthi or the fourth day during the waxing phase of moon in Hindu Calendar.
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi observed?
It is the birthday of Ganesha. Vighnaharta, one among the 108 names of Ganesha, appeared on earth to remove the obstacles of devotees. He is invoked before any puja or prayer in Hinduism. He is the lord of beginnings.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
A few years back an article on Ganesh Chaturthi might have mentioned Vinayaka as the most popular god in
Ganesha breaks that invisible distance which exists between man and god. Children can play with him, teenagers can discuss their problems, and elders can find answers to philosophical questions. Hindu mythology is full of stories related to Ganesha. Devotees and admirers of Ganesha might not be aware of these myths but the image of Ganesha connects with them immediately and is reminded of a Supreme Soul.
Perhaps, Ganesha is the cutest god in the world. People might debate this statement but nobody can ignore the unique figure of Ganesha. The figure represents hope in adversity. Ganesha provides the strength to overcome obstacles. And due to this aspect he is called ‘Vigneshwara.’ He is worshiped first in all prayers. Ganesha’s names are repeated first before any auspicious work is begun.
Ganesh Chaturthi Symbolism – Importance of Ganapati
To a Hindu, the Ganapati immediately brings to mind the Lord in the form of the elephant-faced God, worshipped all over India irrespective of caste, creed or religious beliefs. He is worshipped by Shaivites, Vaishnavites, Shaktas and Shauryas, and of course by Ganapatyas. He is famous as the remove of obstacles and is therefore worshipped before undertaking any task.
Story of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesha is the remover of obstacle – Vighneshwara or Vignaraja – and is always invoked when Hindus are beginning a new enterprise.
It is believed that Goddess Parvati created Ganesha out of clay and breathed life into him. Letting him stand guard at the door, Goddess Parvati went to have her bath.
When her husband, Lord Shiva returned, the child who had never seen him stopped him.
Ganesha did not allow Shiva to enter and finally, an enraged Shiva severed the head of the child.
Goddess Parvati returned to find her son dead and was distraught and asked Shiva to revive him. Shiva cut off the head of an elephant and fixed it on the body of Ganesha and giving birth to elephant-headed Ganesha.
How Long is Ganesh Chaturthi Festival?
In Andhra Pradesh and
Who Started Ganesh Chaturthi Festival?
The origin of the public celebration of Ganesh festival is traced to the period of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, the great Maratha ruler, who asked people to perform public celebration to promote culture and nationalism in the 17th century.
Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav – Public Vinayaka Chaturthi Festival
Some of the idols of Ganesha prepared during the Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav can reach a height of more than 70 – feet.
The richest Ganesh Chaturthi Pandals are located in Mumbai. Their budgets run in millions.
During the 10-day festival, millions of devotees throng pandals across major cities in India especially in Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Nagpur and Hyderabad.
Some of the popular Ganapati Mandals are:
- Lalbaugcha Raja – Mumbai
- Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) Seva Mandal at King’s Circle – Mumbai
- Keshavji Naik Chawl pandal in Girgaum – Mumbai (oldest mandal in Mumbai)
- Dagdusheth Ganpati – Pune
- Khairatabad Ganapati – Hyderabad – Secunderabad
Modak – Delicacy Prepared During Festival
Ukadiche modak, or steamed rice ball in a unique shape, made of rice flour and stuffed with coconut, jaggery, and cardamom is a special delicacy made during the period.
Other delicacies include Puran poli and Chakkali.
But the most important delicacy is modak as it is the favorite food of Ganesha.
Ganesh Patris – Different leaves offered during Ganesha Pooja
In most community pujas, 21 different types of leaves are offered.
- Machi
- Brihati
- Bilva
- Durva Grass
- Datura
- Badari
- Apa Marga
- Tulsi
- Chhota (Mango leaves)
- Karaveera
- Vishnukranta
- Dadimi (Pomegranate)
- Devadaru
- Maruvaka
- Sidhuvara
- Jaaji
- Shami
- Ashwatha
- Arjuna
- Arka
- Nimba (Neem)
Ganesh Chaturthi and Environmental Concern
- Buy Natural Clay Ganesh Murti painted with natural colors.
- Use only natural materials during Ganpati Puja.
- Spread the importance of Clay Ganpati.
- Do Ganesh Visarjan at Home.
- Create awareness and indulge in cleaning public places polluted due to Ganpati festival and Visarjan.
Visarjan – Ganpati Bappa Moraya – Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya
In Maharashtra, Ganesha is also bid adieu along with Jyeshta Gauri (5th day)
Those who opt for an eco-friendly Ganesh immersion, do it in a bucket or a tank. In Mumbai, artificial lakes are created to avoid water pollution. This year the governments and NGOs are running a strong campaign for the use of eco-friendly Ganesh idols.
For public pandals, it is a 10-day festival and ends on Anant Chaturdashi – the fourteenth day during the waxing phase of moon in Bhadrapad Month.
The procession can last for more than 24 hours.
The murti is taken to sea, lake or river for immersion.
The air is filled with the chant of Ganpati Bappa Moraya – Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya – come back soon next year
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