Ganesh Chaturthi is a special Hindu festival celebrated with great joy in India and by Hindus all around the world. It is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. Ganesh Chaturthi marks the celebration of Lord Ganesha’s birthday. Therefore, this day becomes very auspicious for Hindus. He is a symbol of wisdom, health and wealth according to the Hindu Mythology. He’s also the dear son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this auspicious occasion I love to grab this opportunity to write for you all about the significance of this day.
Date on which Ganesh Chaturthi falls
Each year, this festive extravaganza falls on the fourth day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, typically in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi is set to grace us on September 6, Friday, with the grand Ganesh Visarjan scheduled for Anant Chaturdashi on September 17, Tuesday.
Story Behind Ganesh Chaturthi
As narrated by different sages and scholars there are numerous versions of story associated with Lord Ganesha. One popular story is about how Lord Ganesha, the god with an elephant head, was born and why we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. The story goes like this:
Once, Goddess Parvati, decided to take a bath and created an idol of a boy from the turmeric paste she used. She then brought the idol to life and named him Ganesha. She asked Ganesha to stand guard while she bathed. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva, who was away at that time, returned home and was stopped by Ganesha at the entrance. Being unaware of the new guardian, Shiva became angry, and a fierce battle ensued. In the course of the battle, Lord Shiva beheaded Ganesha.
When Goddess Parvati saw what had happened, she was heartbroken and furious. Lord Shiva vowed to revive Ganesha in order to allay her sorrow and rage. He instructed his followers, the Ganas, to find the head of the first living being they encountered and bring it back. The Ganas found an elephant and brought its head to Lord Shiva. Shiva revived Ganesha by placing the elephant’s head on his body. Ganesha’s metamorphosis gave him his recognizable elephant-headed look.
Ganesha was now much more revered as a result of the family’s reunion. He gained the position of most adorable God. To celebrate this reunion and Ganesha’s birth, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi was established. During this event, people install Ganesha idols in their houses and make prayers and sweats. There is a sizable procession as well. It is a time when the devotion is at peak among all the devotees of Lord Ganesha.
A Sacred Tradition
Ganesh Chaturthi is characterized by the installation of Lord Ganesha idols in homes and public places. These exquisite idols are the focal point of devotion for a span of 10 days.
The celebrations culminate in a spectacular procession called the “Visarjan” or immersion ceremony on Anant Chaturdashi. The idols are tenderly submerged in water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, or the sea, during this endearing rite. This ritual is all about Lord Ganesha’s return to his heavenly residence.
A Time of Devotion and Offering
Throughout these 10 days, devotees worldwide engage in heartfelt prayers, melodious hymns, and the enchanting ritual of aarti – the worship of the Lord with lamps. An array of delectable sweets and dishes are lovingly prepared and offered to Lord Ganesha as tokens of devotion.
Amongst these, the Modak, a sweet dumpling, holds a special place in the heart of Lord Ganesha and is a quintessential offering during this festive period.
Beyond Religious Boundaries
The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festive promotes social and cultural harmony in addition to pure religious observance. To celebrate and take part in a wide range of cultural activities and processions, people from all walks of life assemble. Its binds the people from various communities together to celebrate their delight.
Conclusion
Like every year this year also Ganesh Chaturthi promises to bring huge celebrations. It will be a celebration of love, devotion and unity among all. As we warmly welcome Lord Ganesha into our homes and hearts, let’s also allow this holiday to serve as a reminder of our common cultural history. When you are celebrating this auspicious occasion do not forget to chant the twelve names of Lord Ganesha. May the favors of Lord Ganesha bestow upon us wisdom, wealth, and the fortitude to launch new endeavors. I hereby end this blog and wish you all a Happy Ganesh Chaturthi.