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Ganesh Chaturthi Vinayaka Chaturthi
ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom and success.
It is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi and can last up to 10 days during the Hindu Month of Bhadra, which usually falls between mid-August and mid-September.
Is Ganesh Chaturthi/Vinayaka Chaturthi a Public Holiday?
Ganesh Chaturthi/Vinayaka Chaturthi is an optional holiday.
Employment and holiday laws in India allow employees to choose a limited number of holidays from a list of optional holidays.
Some employees may choose to take the day off on this day, however, most offices and businesses remain open.
What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Why is it celebrated?
We celebrate this 10-day-long festival every year.
But how many of us know what Ganesh Chaturthi is and why it is celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day Hindu festival celebrated to honour the elephant-headed God Ganesha’s birthday.
He is the younger son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Ganesha is known by 108 different names and is the Lord of arts and sciences and the deva of wisdom.
He is honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies as he’s considered the God of beginnings.
He’s widely and dearly referred to as Ganapati or Vinayaka.
There are two different versions about Ganesha’s birth.
One has it that Goddess Parvati created Ganesha out of dirt off her body while having a bath and set him to guard her door while she finishes her bath.
Shiva who has gone out, returned at that time, but as Ganesha didn’t know of him, stopped him from entering.
An angry Shiva severed the head of Ganesha after a combat between the two.
Parvati was enraged and Shiva promised Ganesha will live again.
The devas who went in search of a head facing north of a dead person could manage only the head of an elephant.
Shiva fixed the elephant’s head on the child and brought him back to life.
What is the history of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular and widely observed festivals in India and among Indian communities around the world.
The public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi was started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Pune in 1893, while it is unknown when or how it was celebrated first.
He laid the foundation of Ganeshotsav at the public level to unite the masses.
Britishers were left terrified by the large gatherings of people and took every possible measure to put an end to the celebration.
Over the period, Lokmanya
Tilak, an Indian freedom fighter, championed the event to get around the colonial British government’s 1892 anti-public assembly law, which forbade Hindu assemblies.
And soon, Ganesh Chaturthi became a significant popular movement in the campaign for independence.
What is the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi honours Ganesha as the God of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles.
It serves as a unifying factor, bringing individuals from various backgrounds together to celebrate as a single community, cultivating a sense of solidarity and unity, and bridging social and economic differences.
Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of learning and intellect, is revered across India, particularly in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Goa.
Other than India, Ganesh Chaturthi is also celebrated in Nepal, as well as by the Hindu diaspora in other countries, including Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, other Caribbean countries, and the United States and Europe.
Why is Moon Sighting prohibited on Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with different traditions including different do’s and don’ts.
One such don’t on the occassion is moon sighting. It is believed that the sighting of the moon on the Ganesh Chaturthi results in Mithya Dosham or Mithya Kalank which means a false accusation of stealing something.
This is because God Chandra was cursed by Lord Ganesha that anyone who saw the moon on Shukla Chaturthi during Bhadrapada month would be afflicted with Mithya Dosha, would be tarn
ished, and would be defamed in society.
According to an epic, Lord Krishna was once accused stealing of a precious jewel named Syamantaka. Sage Narada, after witnessing the suffering of Lord Krishna, revealed that he was cursed with Mithya Dosha.
On his advice, Lord Krishna afterwards undertook a fast on Ganesh Chaturthi in order to banish Mithya Dosh.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with extensive rituals, prayers and cultural events for 10 long days. Lord Ganesha clay statues are placed in homes and public spaces by devotees and offer prayers, sweets, and fruits.
The idols are later submerged in water on the last day as a representation of the deity’s ascension back to his heavenly home.
The festival represents the cycle of creation and dissolution and strengthens social ties and spirituality.
Ganesh Chaturthi:
Ganesh Chaturthi commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesh, the God of Wisdom, Wealth, and Fortune.
The festival is a symbol of new beginnings and represents a new dawn.
It is said that worshipping Lord Ganesha is essential before a new beginning.
His blessing not only provides the strength and wisdom to proceed, but it also removes any impediments to success.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi usually a 10 days festival which starts on the shukla paksha chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon) in the month of Bhadrapada according to the Indian calendar.
It usually falls between August 19 and September 20 on the English calendar. Ganesh chaturthi festival ends on the day of Anant Chaturdasi, fourteenth day of bhadrapad shukla paksha.
Other names of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh chaturthi is known by different names.
In north India Ganesh chaturthi (Hindi: गणेश चतुर्थी, Gujarati: ગણેશ ચતુર્થી, ) is popular, in Maharashtra the festival is also known as Ganeshotsav (Marathi: गणेशोत्सव).
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the name Vinayaka Chavithi (Telugu: వినాయక చవితి) and in Tamil nadu Vinayaka Chaturthi (Tamil: விநாயக சதுர்த்தி) is popular. Regardless of the name, the spirit and enthusiam of Ganesh Chaturthi remains the same through out the country.
The history behind Ganesh Chaturthi
According to mythology, Ganeshji was created by Goddess Parvati with sandal paste that she used for her bath.
Being the deity of power, she evoked Ganesh with such strength that even the biggest of Gods could not face him at war.
During such a war between the Gods, Lord Shiva accidentally chopped of Ganesha’s head that elicited Parvati’s rage.
To satisfy his wife, Lord Shiva along with the other Gods fixed the head of a baby elephant on Ganesha’s trunk. Hence Lord Ganesha with the elephant head was created.
On this auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi , Lord Shiva declared that Ganesha will be the only deity who would be worshipped ahead of any other God.
He would always be worshipped as a symbol of knowledge, wisdom and strength.
Rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganeshotsav is the biggest festival in Maharashtra.
Different types of statues of lord Ganesha are made with clay and colour for this festival.
The worship begins with the priest chanting mantras to invoke life into the idol and the Lord is bathed with sandalwood paste and kumkum.
This is known as ‘pranapratistha’.
Different tributes are offered to the lord that include the traditional ‘modak’ which is a conical sweet made up of coconut and jaggery.
Other things like coconut, jaggery, durva (a special type of tri-bladed grass) and red flowers are also used for the puja.
Traditionally, 21 modaks and 21 durvas are essential for the puja.
On the 11th day, the idols are bid adieu by immersing them in water.
This ‘visharjan’ is preceded by last rites of worshipping the deity with coconut and flowers; this is usually associated with long processions and huge crowds.
In Andhra Pradesh, along with the usual clay idols of Ganesha, turmeric and plaster of paris are also used to make idols that are then worshipped alongside. Special sweet meals are prepared for the puja.
Kudumu is the local version of ‘modak’ there; other items include panakam (a cardamom flavoured spicy drink), vadapappu (soaked lentils) and chalividi (a sweet rice preparation).
Ganesh Chaturthi : History
It is believed to have originated in the 12th century in Maharashtra.
The festival is thought to have been popularized by the Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj, who used it to unite his people and promote Hindu culture.
It was initially celebrated only in Maharashtra, but it has since spread to other parts of India and the world.
The festival is now celebrated with great enthusiasm in many countries, including India, Nepal, Mauritius, and South Africa.
Ganesh Chaturthi : Significance
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good luck.
Lord Ganesha is believed to be the remover of obstacles and the giver of good fortune.
The festival is also a time for Hindus to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a joyous occasion that is marked by feasting, dancing, and other festivities.
Ganesh Chaturthi : Vrat Katha
In Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from sandalwood paste in the absence of Lord Shiva to guard her while she takes a bath.
When Lord Shiva tried to enter, Ganesha stopped him, leading to an argument.
Adhering to his mother’s command, Ganesha blocked Lord Shiva’s path.
This left Lord Shiva in anger and he separated Ganesha’s head from his body.
After seeing this, Goddess Parvati transformed into her Kali avatar and threatened to destroy the universe in anger.
Shiva then realised his mistake and replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant. The event represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
Ganesh Chaturthi Rituals
There are four main rituals that are performed during Ganesh Chaturthi:
1. Prana Pratishta (Invocation of Life)This ritual is performed on the first day of the festival to invoke life into the Ganesha idol. The priest chants mantras and performs other rituals to bring the idol to life.
2. Shodashopachara (16-fold Worship)This ritual is performed on the first day of the festival to offer 16 different types of offerings to Ganesha. The offerings include flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, lamps, and water.
3. Uttarpuja (Final Worship)This ritual is performed on the 10th day of the festival to bid farewell to Ganesha. The priest chants mantras and performs other rituals to please Ganesha and ask for his blessings.
4. Ganpati Visarjan (Immersion of the Idol)This ritual is performed on the 10th day of the festival to immerse the Ganesha idol in a river or ocean. This signifies the end of the festival and the return of Ganesha to his heavenly abode.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Vidhi
PREPARATION
• Clean the house and the area where you plan to install the idol of Lord Ganesha.
• Purchase or prepare the necessary items for the puja, such as a clay idol of Lord Ganesha, flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, sweets, and traditional puja items.
INSTALLATION OF THE IDOL
• Place a clean cloth or a decorative platform in the chosen area to set up the idol.
• Place the idol of Lord Ganesha on the platform. You can choose to cover it with a cloth and unveil it during the puja.
Steps To Perform Puja
1. Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha to come and bless your home.
2. Sprinkle some water on the idol and offer flowers.
3. Offer flowers, incense, and a lamp while reciting Ganesha mantras.
4. Offer a seat (asan) to Lord Ganesha, signifying his presence during the puja.
5. Offer water to wash the feet of the idol as a gesture of welcome.
6. Offer water for Lord Ganesha to wash his hands.
7. Offer water for sipping to the idol, symbolizing purification.
8. Bathe the idol with water, milk, curd, honey, and ghee. Wipe the idol clean.
9. Offer new clothes to the idol.
10. Decorate the idol with flowers, garlands, and jewellery.
11. Offer fruits, sweets, and other dishes as a symbol of hospitality to Lord Ganesha.
12. Light a lamp and offer it to Lord Ganesha while singing or reciting aarti.
13. Offer your prayers, express your wishes, and seek blessings from Lord Ganesha.
14. On the final day of the festival, traditionally the idol is immersed in a water body. However, in recent times, eco-friendly idols are recommended, and the immersion is done in a bucket or container of water at home.
During Ganesha Chaturthi Puja, the lord is worshipped with all sixteen rituals known as the Shodashopachara Puja as well as the chanting of Puranik Mantras.
The sixteen steps include: Avahana and Pratishthapan;
Asana Samarpan; Padya Samarpan;
Arghya Samarpan; Achamana;
Snana Mantra;
Vastra Samarpan and Uttariya Samarpan;
Yajnopavita Samarpan;
Gandha; Akshata;
Pushpa Mala, Shami Patra, Durvankura, Sindoor; Dhoop;
Deep Samarpan; Naivedya and Karodvartan; ambula, Narikela and Dakshina Samarpan; Neerajan and Visarjan.
Ganesh Chaturthi Fasting Rules
Those who observe this fast should bathe first thing in the morning.
The fast lasts from daybreak until moonrise. When fasting, it is recommended to take one satvik meal every day.
Fruits, milk, byproducts, fruit juice, kheer, rajgira, bhangra, and singhara can be consumed during the day.
The technique of cooking should be steaming, roasting, or shallow frying.
Ganesh Chaturthi : How to celebrate
One can set up the Ganesha idol in their home or community.
Clay, wood, or metal can be used to create the idol. Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival in which people sing bhajans and kirtans in worship of Lord Ganesha.
During Ganesh Chaturthi, temporary structures are created and adorned with flowers, lights, and other festive decorations.
One can go to a Ganesha pandal to pray to him and enjoy the festivities.
Ganesh Chaturthi : Bhog Items
- ModakModak is considered to be Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweet. It’s a type of dumpling made from rice or wheat flour, filled with a mixture of grated coconut, jaggery, and dry fruits. Modaks can be steamed or fried.
- Kheer or PayasamKheer, a rice pudding cooked in milk with sugar and flavored with cardamom and saffron, is also a popular offering to Lord Ganesha.
- Puran PoliPuran poli is a sweet flatbread made with a filling of chana dal (split chickpea) and jaggery. It’s a traditional dish offered during festivals.
- Coconut LadooThese are round sweets made from grated coconut, sugar, and sometimes condensed milk. They are easy to make and are a popular choice for offerings.
- Besan LadooBesan ladoos are made from roasted gram flour, sugar, ghee, and sometimes nuts. They have a rich, nutty flavour and are a common prasad item.
- Rice DishesVarious rice dishes like pulao, lemon rice, or tamarind rice can also be offered. These are usually prepared with mild flavors.
- FruitsFresh fruits like bananas, apples, pomegranates, and grapes are often included in the bhog as a symbol of nature’s bounty.
- Dry FruitsA mixture of dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins can be offered as a nutritious option.
- Savory SnacksAlong with sweets, some savory snacks like chivda (flattened rice mix), poha (flattened rice), or murmura (puffed rice) can be included in the bhog.
- PanakamThis is a traditional sweet drink made with jaggery, water, cardamom, and sometimes lemon juice. It’s refreshing and offered to quench thirst.
- Chana SundalIn some regions, chana (chickpea) sundal, a mildly spiced and tempered chickpea dish, is offered as prasad.
Ganesh Chaturthi : Ganpati Visarjan date, Ganpati Visarjan rules
Ganesh Visarjan or Anant Chaturdashi will be observed on September 28.
The day of Visarjan should begin with Pooja (Morning Aarti).
The visarjan ceremony begins with the Uttarang puja, in which five objects are offered to Ganpati: deep (oil lamps), pushpa (flowers), dhoop (incense), gandh (fragrance), and naivedya (food).
When Visarjan time arrives, the family members should reassemble and recite the Visarjan Aarti before leaving the house. After this, the idol is immersed in water.
GANESH CHATURTHI : SANSKRIT SHLOK FOR PUJA
1. Vakratunda Ganesha Mantra, Shree Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha।, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada॥
2. Ganesha Shubh Labh Mantra, Om Shreem Gam Saubhagya Ganpataye।, Varvarda Sarvajanma Mein Vashamanya Namah॥
3. Ganesha Gayatri Mantra, Om Ekadantaya Viddhamahe, Vakratundaya Dhimahi, Tanno Danti Prachodayat॥
Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of great enthusiasm and devotion, with millions of people participating in the celebrations.
It is an opportunity for Hindus to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for success, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles in their endeavors.
The festival also promotes unity and community bonding as people come together to celebrate and worship.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi (as referred to in South India) is a Hindu festival that celebrates Bhagwan Ganesha’s birth and lasts for 10 days.
It is one of the most favorite festivals in my home.
Usually, we look forward to the 10-day long extravaganza as it is the time for our pandal-hopping scenes in our locality.
It will be a different scenario this year, where we would get to visit the beautifully decorated and lit pandals.
As I was growing up in Mumbai, it was customary for my family to visit the famous Ganesha pandals in South Mumbai during this festival.
Year after year, we would specially be at my mother’s friend’s place who stayed in Girgaum, Mumbai.
Because from her home, we could get the perfect view of the magnificent processions of the visarjan on the last day.
It was a habit for us to take part in both the morning and evening Ganesh aartis that was regular in the huge pandal of our own locality.
I have literally grown up experiencing the positive vibes and celebrations of the Ganesh Chaturthi/Vinayaka Chaturthi festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi And Food
Along with these festivities, food was, is and will always been an important part of not just the Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations, but also any other Indian festival.
As I mentioned above, the Modak recipe is a chosen one at home. Besides this, I’ve seen my family make other Ganesh Chaturthi sweets as well as other snacks, all these years.
While finalizing recipes for festivals like Vinayaka Chaturthi, make sure to speak to the elders in your home about the use of ingredients like onion, garlic, spices, herbs, etc.
Every community has different rules of using or not using these, when it comes to religious fasting recipes.
Most of the recipes mentioned in this signature collection too, have vegan options. Also, if you are a vegan, then use oil instead of ghee and substitute dairy-based milk with coconut milk or almond milk.
Use fresh ingredients only. This means do not use ingredients that are already unpacked or opened. Try to make all your staples like rice flour, lentil flours, ghee, butter, mawa, paneer at home.
Ganesha is always offered freshly cooked food. So do not make ahead any food and refrigerate it. Cook with devotion and prayerfulness and offer it to Ganesha as soon as you prepare the delicacies.
Other Indian states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Gujarat also celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with equal devotion and excitement. In South Indian states, it takes the form of Vinayaka Chaturthi/Chavithi, also known as Pillayar Chaturthi or Vinayagar Chaturthi.
The Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi sweets or other recipes vary from region to region and state to state.
For example, Modak recipe, one of the favorites of Lord Ganesha, becomes the Kozhukattai in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
While South India has sundals, popular savory preparations, you won’t find them in Maharashtra.
Along with modaks, Ganpati is also fond of ladoo. So, we offer a variety of ladoo too, to him during this festival.
This post of mine will help you with many such well-known as well as lesser-known Ganesh festival specials.
Symbolism Of Lord Ganesha
Every year, we wait with all our zeal and excitement to be a part of the vibrant Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi festivities.
He is certainly one of the most endearing divine forms and no puja is complete without first paying obeisance to him.
But ever imagined, what exactly does the form of Ganesha represents? What is the significance and why the elephant head? Here are some of the many interpretations:
- The foremost qualities of the Elephant are wisdom and effortlessness. Thus, the Elephant Head denotes both these. The massive head also signifies knowledge and wisdom. Elephants don’t see obstacles as hindrance. They overcome them and keep walking ahead. This signifies effortlessness.
- The strong Elephant’s trunk can pull up huge trees and also pick up a delicate flower. Thus, Ganesha`s trunk symbolizes that a wise human being can be both strong and tender.
- The large ears are a representation of a sieve – it hears (assimilates) a lot, but retains only the good and eliminates the bad.
- Ganpati’s eyes are small, just like an elephant’s – which has the ability to see very far. This means that your present day deeds have repercussions in the future too.
- The huge belly epitomizes kindness and total acceptance.
More On The Symbolism
- One tusk represents unity, no duality in life. One leg folded over other resting on the ground symbolizes a balance between worldly affairs and spirituality.
- The Modak recipe might be a loved one with all of us, just as for Ganesha. But, if you observe the modak in his hand closely, it is actually the tip of 5 fingers coming together, depicting power of co-operation.
- Ganesha also wields a lotus flower. This signifies that when we connect to the supreme power, we purify ourselves. We become like the lotus flower that, despite being in muddy slush, blooms beautifully. This signifies that we could be in the midst of negativity but we have to rise above it and bloom like a lotus.
- And why does the elephant-headed Ganesha, have a tiny mouse as his ride? It is lust, greed and attachment in life that get on to you and destroy you. The Mouse depicts greed and vices over which we have to be victorious. We have to be in control and ride over our desires.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of India’s popular and significant Hindu festivals celebrated throughout India with great passion and devotion.
Extreme devotion of this auspicious festival can be seen in Maharashtra, where celebration goes till 10 days.
The day is celebrated as the birthday of Popular Hindu God Lord Ganesha, the god of prosperity, wisdom and Good luck, is the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.
As per Hindu calendar, this auspicious festival is celebrated on Chaturthi (fourth day) of Bhadrapad (between August and September).
People brings decorated idols of Lord Ganesha to their homes and do worship to him for 10 days.
On the final day of the festival the idols of Lord Ganesha are taken out in a colorful and musical march and immersed customarily in water.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Process
Ganesh Chaturthi, a popular Hindu festival is celebrated all over India.
Ganesh puja starts from Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi and ends on Ananta Chaturdashi.
The puja process and rituals differs slightly according to the regions and traditions all over the India.
According to the ancient scriptures, the Ganesh idol sculpted from mud is to be held in the left palm, sanctified there itself with the name Siddhivinayak and plunged into water immediately.
The Ganesh devotees were not satisfied with such fleeting celebrations and so Ganesh Chaturthi puja process 1.5 days, 7 or 9 days in different parts of India.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Process:
- The puja begins with the meticulous cleaning of the house and installation of a pedestal or moda for placing the clay idol on it.
- After placing the idol on the pedestal, it is anointed with sandalwood paste and kumkum and decorated with flowers.
- The worship commences with Pranprathistha or invoking life into the idol while chanting sacred mantras.
- A sixteen fold prayer procedure, known as Shodashopachara is observed.
- 21 blades of Druva grass, 21 Modaks, 21 of the sweet of PanchKhadya (5 types of dry fruits- cashews, almonds, pistachio, raisins and dry dates) 21 Tambulam (Betel nut), jiggery, assorted flowers like rose, marigold etc are offered to the lord.
- Worship of the lord concludes with reciting 108 names of Lord Ganesha, followed by Arti and distribution of Prasad (cut and blessed fruits). Vedic hymns from Ganpati Atharva Shirsha, Ganesha stotra and devotional songs are sung all through the puja days.
- Visarjan is the final step of Ganesh Chaturthi puja process. Certain rituals are followed like during arti and offering curd, garland, coconuts, camphor, and sweets during the Visarjan.
The Ganesh Chaturthi puja process is quite an elaborate one, observed all over India with a lot of fanfaronade..
Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja Vidhi
The elephant Headed deity, Lord Ganesh is worshipped in the Bhadrapada month following a sixteen step procedure, known as Shodashopachara, according to the Hindu religion.
The best time to perform Ganesh puja is Madhyahnakala that is during the afternoon, although this puja also can be done during the Pratahkala (morning) or Sayankala (evening).
The worship of the lord is done sincerely following the Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja Vidhi.
Ganesh Chaturthi Regional Significance
Ganesh Chaturthi is a widely celebrated festival of India and is popularly known as Vinayaka Chaturthi.
This festival celebrates the re birth of Lord Ganesh with a lot of fanfaronade throughout the nation.
The Ganesh Chaturthi regional significance lies in the celebration of this festival in varied ways in different parts of India according to the customs, traditions and cultures prevailing in different states.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra
Ganesh Chaturthi regional significance explains the different methods of celebration in various states.
The ten day festival is celebrated with fanfare in Mumbai and other cities of Maharashtra.
The Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai attracts thousands of devotees during the festival.
Months before the commencement of this festival, artisans put in great effort to construct clay idols of Ganesh.
The city comes to life with magnificent illumination, sound of slokas and the fervour of the slogan Ganapati Bappa Morya.
The rituals like Pran Pratishtha, Shodashopachara are performed by the priests in Maharashtra.
Pran Prathistha is the chanting of slokas to invoke the blessings of the lord. Shodashopachara is worshipping Ganesh in sixteen different ways.
The festivities come to an end with the immersion of the idol in water. Anant Chaturdashi is the procession which carries lord Ganesha with a lot of pomp and exuberance throughout the streets of Mumbai.
The delicacies of Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Maharashtra include Ukadiche or steamed Modak, Karanji, Puran Poli, Patholi etc.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi in Tamil Nadu
Ganesh Chaturthi is popularly called Pillayar Chaturthi. On the fourth day, after the new moon appears in the month of Avani, this festival is celebrated with zest and vigour by the devotees of Tamil Nadu.
The ritual of Kaliman Pillayar is observed with utmost devotion in which the clay idols are adorned with Bermuda grass known as ‘asarukampul.
Some temples in Tamil Nadu are even constructed with coconut.
The delicacies of this festival includes Vella kozhukattai (rice parcels filled with coconut and jaggery), uppu kozhukattai (rice parcels with lentil filling) and so on.
Ganesh Chaturthi regional significance lies in the fact that even within South India, celebrations in Goa, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh are different.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi in Kerala
Ganesh Chaturthi is popularly known as Lamboodhara Piranalu in Kerala. Chingam is the month of celebration of this festival here.
The ritual of milk Abhishekam is practiced in this state.
The city exhibits magnificence by flaunting colourful rangolis.
The state grips with fervour of festivities which include dances, skits etc. Modak, vundrallu (steamed, coarsely-ground rice-flour balls), vadapappu (soaked moong lentils) are delicacies.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa
Ganesh Chaturthi is popularly known as Chavath and Parab in Goa.
During this festival, women fast on the third day of the lunar month of Bhadrapada and worship Parvati and Lord Shiva. Sumptuous feasts takes place during this festival.
Goans observe the ritual of worshipping Ganesh in the form of Patri (leaves).
Celebrations in this state are very humble unlike Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh or Kerala. It is more of a homely than a state affair.
Nevri is a very popular Ganesh Chaturthi delicacy in Goa, made of flour and stuffed with coconut, sugar etc.
Ganesh Chaturthi regional significance lies in the fact that this festival is celebrated in myriad ways throughout India based on the varied customs and traditions of different states.
Nevertheless, the core essence of this festival remains the same; that is Lord Ganesha destroys everything that hinders the path to success and brings good fortune to all his devotees.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Items
The Ganesh Chaturthi puja begins on the day of Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi and ends on the day of Ananta Chaturdashi in the Bhadrapada month (mid-August to mid-September).
In Ganesh puja, rituals are strictly observed from the time of buying the clay idol to its immersion in water.
Various samagri or Ganesh Chaturthi puja items are required for the worship of this deity.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Items
- Churang (Wooden stool)
- Murti (idol of Lord Ganesh)
- Sankh (conch shell)
- Ghanta (brass bell)
- Vastra (new clothes as part of the ceremony)
Decorative Ganesh Chaturthi puja Items
- Rangoli colours such as ¼ each of gulal (pink powder), bukka (black), shendur (dark orange), which are made into a paste for making designs at the entrance of the house.
- Toran (decorative door hanging).
- Decorative cloth for covering the stool on which the idol is placed is needed essentially.
- Flower garlands for decorating the idol are also needed for decoration purposes.
Various Ganesh Chaturthi puja items offered to Lord Ganesh
- Moli (a red holy thread)
- 1/2 bow of kumkum (red powder used for vermilion)
- Chandan (sandalwood powder)
- Agarbatti and dhoop (thin and thick incense sticks)
- Kapur (camphor)
- 15 tambulam (betel leaves with stem)
- 21 supari (betel nut)
- Gud (jaggery)
- 8-10 tulasi patra (leaves of holy basil or tulsi)
- Khadisakhar (1 bowl of sugar)
- 21 durva ( 3 blades of grass)
- 1 attar (perfume bottle)
- 1 bowl of panchamrit (curd, milk, sugar, ghee and honey) for bathing the idol.
1 Plate of Maha Naivedya: Modak, Regular Food cooked in the house. Any one kind of sweet of your choice.E.g. Pedhe / Barphi / Ladu / Kheer etc.
Assortment of Fruits, Flowers and Nuts
- 5 types each of banana, apple, mango, orange, grapes, peach and pear.
- 5 nariyal (coconuts with water).
- 20-30 marigold, rose etc.
- 10 Pancha Khadya (cashews, almonds, dry dates, pistachio and resins).
Utensils Needed For the Puja
- 2 steel or silver plates (one for Aarti and the other for holding puja items).
- A bowl (1/2 gallon for holding water).
- 1 stainless steel water jug (1/2 gallon).
- 2 steel/copper bowls (for ghee and oil).
- Brass lamp (samai) needed for Aarti.
- 2 copper pots for rice and holy water (kalash).
- Copper plates and spoons for eating and drinking (Panchpatra & Pali).
Worship of Lord Ganesh is done with all the above mentioned Ganesh Chaturthi puja items. All these itemsshould be bought well ahead so that the ceremony can proceed smoothly from commencement.
The Birth of Lord Ganesha
Close your eyes and imagine: it’s a sunlit day, alive with anticipation.
The air is brimming with excitement as people scurry around, adorning their homes with colorful flowers and intricate rangoli patterns.
Why, you ask? Well, it’s the day when Lord Ganesha, the charming deity with an elephant’s head, graces us with his presence!
Let’s rewind time to an ancient tale. Parvati, the mother goddess, wished for a moment of tranquillity as she prepared to bathe.
With Nandi, the loyal guard absent, Parvati ingeniously sculpted a boy from the turmeric paste she used for her bath.
Breathing life into her creation, she brought Ganesha into the world.
Meanwhile, Lord Shiva, eager to meet Parvati, encountered the young Ganesha who staunchly guarded his mother’s privacy.
A clash of wills ensued, resulting in Shiva inadvertently severing Ganesha’s head.
Learning of this tragedy, Parvati demanded Ganesha’s revival.
Responding to her plea, Shiva’s emissaries embarked on a quest for a replacement head.
Their search led them to the head of Gajasura, a mighty elephant, which was placed upon Ganesha’s body.
With the touch of Brahma’s divine hand, Ganesha was reborn as a god.
Ganesh Chaturthi’s Ceremonies
Ganesh Chaturthi is more than mere observance; it’s a grand celebration brimming with music, dance, and delectable treats.
Temporary pandals, resembling ornate stages, dot cities and towns, showcasing splendid Ganesha idols.
Crafted with love and imagination, these idols range from tiny palm-sized sculptures to towering giants.
The heart of the celebration is the ‘Aarti,’ a collective offering of song and prayer to Lord Ganesha. The energy in the air is palpable, and the positivity is contagious.
Eco-Friendly Innovations
In recent years, an eco-friendly revolution has taken over Ganesh Chaturthi. People realized that the traditional idols, made from plaster of Paris, were harming our environment.
So, they started making idols from clay and natural materials, ensuring that the idols dissolved in water when the festival ended without harming aquatic life.
Isn’t that an excellent step towards a greener planet?
The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated for ten days, starting from the Chaturthi Tithi and ending on the Dashami Tithi.
The main deity of the festival is Lord Ganesha, who is the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity.
During the festival, devotees pray to Lord Ganesha for his blessings and offer him prayers, food, and other offerings.
The Story Behind Ganesh Chaturthi
Let’s time-travel back to ancient times. Lord Ganesha wasn’t just a beloved god; he was also wise and witty.
One day, he was guarding his mother’s chamber when Lord Shiva, his father, arrived. Ganesha, unaware of Shiva’s identity, blocked his way.
This led to a mighty battle of words, and Shiva accidentally chopped off Ganesha’s head in a fit of anger!
Goddess Parvati was heartbroken.
To mend her sorrow, Shiva promised to give Ganesha a new life.
Ganesha was reborn with the head of an elephant, making him truly unique and endearing.
Learning from Lord Ganesha
Ganesha isn’t just a god; he’s also a teacher.
His big, floppy ears remind us to be great listeners, while his small eyes encourage us to focus on the tiniest details.
The trunk? It’s a symbol of adaptability – the ability to handle anything that comes our way.
And oh, let’s not forget the sweet tooth! Ganesha’s love for ‘modak’ tells us to savor the sweetness of life.
Creating Your Ganesha
How about getting your creative gears turning?
This Ganesh Chaturthi , how about making your very own Ganesha idol?
You can use clay or even recycle materials from around your house.
Don’t worry about perfection; what matters is the love and effort you put into it.
Conclusion
And there you have it, young explorers! Ganesh Chaturthi is more than a festival; it’s a time to embrace joy, creativity, and devotion.
From the vibrant celebrations to the heartwarming stories, this festival teaches us valuable life lessons and brings communities together.
So, as you dive into the celebrations, remember the wisdom of Lord Ganesha – listen well, adapt to change, and always find the sweetness in life’s moments. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!
Difference between Ganesha, Vinayaka and Sankashti Chaturthi
Vinayaka Chaturthi
Difference between Ganesha,Sankashti & Vinayaka Chaturthi
Lord Ganesha / Gajanan – Remover of all obstacles:
Lord Ganesha or Gajanan is denoted as the remover of all obstacles.
He is prayed prior to all and anything auspicious.
Praying to him will bring prosperity, happiness and peaceful mind.
Also revered because of his wisdom and intellect.
He is the youngest child of Lord Mahadev Shiva, and Goddess Parvati.
And he is the Lord of Since, Arts and Wisdom.
Because of a boon he right fully earned made him the Lord to be prayed first.
What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
In the honour of the birth of Lord Ganesha, this is celebrated.
The day of celebration falls on the on the fourth day of the first fortnight of the Shukla Paksh of the lunar calendar.
The festivities last for ten day, ending on the 14th day. It is a festival that is celebrated by individuals and public alike.
This is celebrated, after the Amavasya or new moon in Shukla Paksha. It comes once a year for 10 days.
It is also known asVinayaka Chaturthi.
The festivities Include:
Bringing of Clay statute of Lord Ganesha in homes or in Pandals.
The Idol is brought in by covering it in red clothes and placing it in the temple at your home or in Panda. Priest then chants the Ganesha Mantra.
And at the same time offer flowers, Ladoo and Charnamrit to the God and later distribute it to the devotee.
It is believed that he resides in house to remove all obstacles and bring in prosperity.
On the last day of the festival, Ganesh ji, is held back facing the devotees and front facing the home or place of worship.
It is believed that his mere glance can remove all evils and obstacles in live.
His devotees sing and dance while submerging him in a water body.
And they pray, for his speedy return the next year.
The devotees Chant Ganpati Bappa Moriya, Mangal Murti Moriya, Agle varsh tu Laukar aa.
Ganesh Sthapana Puja Method:
The puja is believed to be done during the Madhayana.
As lord is believed to be born at the madhayana or the mid day.
It is performed, with all the rituals and is worshipped with 16 rituals, along with Puranic mantra chanting.
This is called Shodashopachara puja.
Along with lighting of lamp and sankalap are done before starting the puja.
These two are at the core of Shodashopachara puja.
States that celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi:
This festival is mainly celebrated in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Goa Andhra Pradesh etc.
Maharashtra is best known for Ganesh/Vinayaka Chaturthi Celebration.
As the people gather around small and big Pandals, with fun frivolity.
Significances of Ganesh Chaturthi:
- It brings in success, prosperity
- Further, it also enhances Wisdom and Intellect.
- The Ganesh Chaturthi puja happiness and peaceful mind.
- It is said that he removes all sorts of fears and evils. At the same time he removes ignorance and enhances knowledge, brings in light of intellect and truth.
What is Vinayaka Chaturthi?
Vinayaka Chaturthi is also known as the Ganesh Chaturthi.
It is believed to fall after the Amavasya or New Moon Night.
Here the Vinayaka avtar is revered because he is said to remove the darkness of ignorance and bring in new light of Wisdom.
Like Ganesh Chaturthi this also falls on the Lunisor calendar, in Shukla Paksha, in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad, ending on Anant chaturdashi.
It is normally performed for over all wellbeing.
The Method included:
The fasting is the main method to celebrate this festival.
It depends from state to state, and the time of sun rise and sun set.
And it is normally observed when the Chaturthi tithi falls on the mid day.
Benefits of the Vinayaka puja:
It full fills all the desires of the seekers.- Fills ones mind with spirituality and peace.
- It removes all fears from mind and life.
Sankashti Chaturthi
Sankashti means calamity or troubles.
And to remove all the troubles and calamity this festival is celebrated.
This is celebrated after Purnmasi or Full moon, in Krishna Paksha.
It is celebrated every month.
But the most important Sankashti Chaturthi falls, on the Maagh month.
It is considered very auspicious if it falls on a Tuesday, and hence called as Angarki Chaturthi.
In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated with a lot fervour it is called as the Sankashti Hara.
Puja Methods:
It is a day fast and at the evening the fast is only ended after seeing the moon. Although, Strict fast observed only by eating fruits, roots & vegetables.
The staple Indian Vrat or fast diet includes Sabudana Khichadi with Peanuts and potato. In total of 14 fasts are kept, and at the last fast the Adika Katha is recited.
But this recitation happen once in 4 years.
Also, In Northern India it is also called the Sakat Chauth. And is commonly celebrated during this festival.
Benefits of Sankashti Chaturthi Puja are:
• Children gets the blessings.
• The main aim of the puja is to get rid of all impending hurdles in life.
• This puja enables to get rid of all obstacles in marriage.
• It blesses with True wisdom and Knowledge.
What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of the Hindu god Ganesh.
Ganesha is the younger son of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
There are various stories behind his birth but, according to the most popular tale, Lord Ganesha was created by Parvati out of dirt from her body to guard her in the absence of Shiva.
She gave him the task of guarding her bathroom door while she took a bath.
In the meantime, Shiva returned home and Ganesha, who didn’t know who Shiva was, stopped him.
This angered Shiva and he severed Ganesha’s head after an argument between the two.
Parvati was not happy when she found out and, in turn, Lord Shiva promised to bring Ganesha back to life.
The devas were sent to search for a child’s head facing north but they could only find an elephant’s head.
Shiva fixed the elephant’s head on the child’s body, and that is allegedly how Ganesha was born.
Today, the elephant-headed deity is known as the god of prosperity, good fortune, and wisdom, and the 10-day festival reflects how important he is in Hinduism.
The festival lasts up to 10 days and begins on the fourth day (chaturthi) of the month of Bhadrapada, which is the sixth month of the Hindu calendar.
It usually falls between mid-August and mid-September.
How is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
Before the idol is brought home, the house is cleaned and made spik and span.
During the installation of the Ganesh idol, a raised stage or platform is adorned with flowers, kumkum, and sandalwood paste.
After Lord Ganesha is brought home with great pomp and show, he is offered prayers, flowers, fruits, and modak (laddoos – an Indian round-shaped sweet dish).
Offerings – Twenty-one blades of Druva grass, Twenty-one modaks, and Twenty-one of the sweet of Panch Khadhya are offered to Ganesha.
“Haar chadhe, phool chadhe, aur chadhe mewa, ladduon ka bhog lage sant kare sewa.” This is a line from Ganesh Aarti that gives a clear picture of what is to be done and how is the lord to be served.
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
It is believed that Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj (the founder of the Maratha Empire) commemorated the festival to encourage nationalist sentiment among his subjects during their war with the Mughals.
However, after the fall of Peshwas, the festival couldn’t be celebrated after the British officials banned political/religious assemblies.
The festival was later revived by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak who recognized Ganesha as an ideal figure who could bring people together for their war for freedom.
Vinayaka Chaturthi
Each lunar month in Hindu calendar has two Chaturthi Tithis.
According to Hindu scriptures Chaturthi Tithi(s) belongs to Lord Ganesha.
The Chaturthi after Amavasya or new moon during Shukla Paksha is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi and the one after Purnimasi or full moon during Krishna Paksha is known as Sankashti Chaturthi.
Although Vinayaka Chaturthi fasting is done every month but the most significant Vinayaka Chaturthi falls in month of Bhadrapada.
Vinayaka Chaturthi during Bhadrapada month is known as Ganesha Chaturthi.
Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated by Hindus all over the world as the birthday of Lord Ganesha.
Vinayaka Chaturthi is also known as Varad Vinayaka Chaturthi. Varad means “asking God to fulfill any desire one has”.
Lord Ganesha blesses devotees with wisdom and patience who observe this fast.
The wisdom and patience are two virtues whose significance is known to human kind since ages.
Anyone who possesses these virtues can progress in life and can achieve whatever one desires.
As generating location based dates are time consuming most sources ignore this fact and publish single list for all Indian cities.