Numerous followers worship the well-known Hindu deity Lord Ganapati, also known as Lord Ganesha. All impediments to prosperity are said to be removed by his blessings. The provider of luck, wealth, and knowledge is the holy Lord Ganesha. He guards against disasters caused by nature. Ganesh Chaturthi, the celebration of the Elephant God’s birth, is one of the most well-liked holidays in India because of this.
Understanding Ganesh Chaturthi
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi honours the birth of the celestial Lord Ganesha, the patron deity of learning, riches, and fortune. This well-known Hindu festival is observed during the month of Bhadrapada and is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi. According to the Hindu calendar, Shukla Paksha Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day of the first fortnight and lasts for ten days (Anant Chaturdashi). The English calendar indicates that this celebration often takes place in August or September. The event will take place this year on September 10, 2021. (Friday).
The auspicious time to do the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja in 2021 is from 11:03 AM to 01:33 PM. The same lasts for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
It is widely believed that Lord Ganesha visits his worshippers’ homes around this time and bestows luck and wealth upon them. On this day, Lord Ganesha’s followers offer prayers to him asking for spiritual power so they can achieve in all of their endeavours. The blessings of Lord Ganesha provide his followers the insight and fortitude they need to proceed in life. His successes also remove any barriers that could stand in the way of achievement. This blessed holiday commemorates a fresh start.
View More Panchang of the day, Tithi of the day, Choghadiya of the day, Shubh Hora of the day, Rahu Kaal of the day, and Nakshatra of the day
Observances Related to Ganesha Chaturthi
Throughout the nation, this important holiday is observed with tremendous fervour and enthusiasm. But in Indian states like Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and of course, Maharashtra, the grandeur of this celebration can be seen vividly. People observe a multitude of rites and traditions during this holiday. Let’s learn a little bit more about them.
Avoiding staring at the Moon on the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi is a common custom. On Ganesh Chaturthi, looking at the moon causes Mithya Dosham or Mithya Kalank, which is an unfounded charge of theft.
During this occasion, people dance, sing devotional songs, fast, decorate their homes, and set off fireworks. The worshipers prepare for Lord Ganesha’s worship by having a ceremonial bath and dressing in fresh attire. Any god must be worshipped in a clean and pure state of mind and body. Lord Ganesha’s statue is given a bath in fragrant water (Abhishekam). Then fresh saffron fabric is used to cover it. With sandalwood paste and fresh flower garlands, it is tastefully decorated and set safely atop a pedestal.
Modak is the most revered of the several traditional foods presented to the god. The primary “prasad” presented to Lord Ganesha at this occasion is a conical rice or flour dumpling called a modak that is filled with grated jaggery, coconuts, and dried fruits. It is thought to be Lord Ganesha’s favourite confection. The celebration also features Appam, Pedha, Sundal, Barfi, Laddoo, and Karanji as delicacies. Tradition dictates that Puja requires 21 Modaks and 21 Durvas, a holy, unique three-bladed grass.
There are 16 rituals performed to honour Lord Ganesha. “Puranik Mantras,” which are repeated during Ganesha Chaturthi Puja, are performed after the prayers. Ganesha Shubh Labh Mantra, Ganesha Gayatri Mantra, and Vakratunda Ganesha Mantra are a few of the well-known Ganesh Puja Mantras recited by the devotees. After that, worshippers kneel before Lord Ganesha and offer prayers for everyone’s welfare. They also beseech the Lord to forgive them of their sins and offer their apologies for any errors made.
The Lord Ganesha aarti marks the conclusion of the Ganesh Chaturthi rites. In the Hindu faith, a sacred clay lamp with a cotton wick is dipped in pure ghee before being ignited as part of the aarti ceremony. The idols of Lord Ganesha are said goodbye by the devotees on the eleventh day of the festivities by submerging them in water. Long processions and extremely energised crowds are common on Ganesha Visarjan Day.
One of the most valued and active holidays observed in the unique country of India is without a doubt Ganesh Chaturthi.