Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi and Ganeshotsav, honors the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of knowledge, wealth, and fortune. Especially in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most extensively observed celebrations in India. It is of immense cultural and spiritual significance since Lord Ganesha followers from all over India congregate there to ask for his blessings.
Ganesh Chaturthi History
As the adored child of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha is highly worshipped. Legend has it that when Lord Shiva became enraged, he lovingly changed Lord Ganesha’s head to that of an elephant to comfort the distraught Goddess Parvati. As a result, Lord Ganesha is constantly portrayed as having an elephant’s head, a strong build, and four arms. He also goes by the names Ekdanta and Lambodara. Lord Ganesha is revered for his power to change people’s fortunes, remove difficulties from their paths, and infuse hope and knowledge in their lives.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Date, Time Shubh Mahurat and Tithi
The Drik Panchang states that on September 18th, between 12:39 PM and 1:43 PM, is the auspicious time to welcome Lord Ganesha into your home for Chaturthi. On September 28, Ganpati Visarjan will mark the conclusion of the 10-day Ganesh Utsav festival, which starts on September 19.
On September 19, 2023, the auspicious puja will be performed between the hours of 11:01 AM and 01:28 PM.
Ganesh Chaturthi Significance
Devotees from all across India and abroad gather during this festival to worship Lord Ganesha in order to obtain his blessings for success and the elimination of impediments. It is stated that those who worship Ganesha can achieve their aspirations and objectives. The primary message of Ganesh Chaturthi is that those who pray to him will receive forgiveness for their misdeeds and be guided toward a life of learning and understanding. Historical observance of the day dates back to King Shivaji’s era.
During India’s War of Independence, Lokmanya Tilak changed Ganesh Chaturthi from a private festival to a significant public holiday where people from all castes of society could congregate, pray, and be together. Ganesh Chaturthi promotes communal cohesion and religious piety.
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration
As the festival kicks off, homes and elaborately adorned outdoor tents become the stage for placing Ganesha statues on elevated platforms. This marks the commencement of the worship, with the first step being the pranapratishtha, a sacred ritual that imbues life into the divine idols. Following this, the elaborate expression of devotion unfolds, encompassing the ‘shhodashopachara,’ consisting of sixteen unique ways to pay homage.
The Ganesh Upanishad and other Vedic hymns are chanted as the idols are covered in red sandalwood paste and decorated with yellow and red flowers.
Also included are 21 modaks, a sweet dumpling meal considered to be Ganesha’s favorite, coconut, and jaggery. As the festival reaches its grand finale, a magnificent spectacle unfolds: a grand procession of idols making their way to nearby water bodies, surrounded by the rhythmic beat of drums, the soul-stirring resonance of devotional chants, and the graceful movements of dance.
They are submerged as part of the ritual, signifying Ganesha’s journey back to Mount Kailas, the place where his parents, Shiva and Parvati, formerly lived.
Ganesh Chaturthi Rituals
In Hindu tradition, Lord Ganesha, often referred to as Vighnaharta, is the divine remover of obstacles. His presence is paramount, as most Hindu rituals commence with the worship of this benevolent deity. The festivities surrounding this revered figure commence months ahead, marked by the meticulous crafting of exquisite idols in honor of Lord Ganesha.
Ganesh Chaturthi has four main rituals:
1. Pranapratishtha: This is the ritual where the deity, in this case, Lord Ganesha, is invited and infused with life. It’s like giving a warm welcome to a cherished guest, making them feel alive and present.
2. Shodashopachara: This ritual involves expressing devotion in sixteen different ways. It’s akin to showing love and respect to someone through various gestures, Modak, a beloved sweet delicacy hailing from the heart of Maharashtra, holds a special place in the divine palette of Lord Ganesh. During the puja, devotees lovingly offer these delectable modaks along with an array of sweets and fresh fruits to appease the benevolent deity.
3. Uttarpuja: After the main worship is completed, Uttarpuja is performed to seek the deity’s blessings. It’s similar to expressing gratitude and asking for guidance or blessings from a respected elder or mentor.
4. Visarjan Puja: As the 10th and final day of Ganesh Chaturthi arrives, a heartwarming ritual unfolds – the grand immersion of Lord Ganesha’s idol in the nearby river. This cherished ceremony, known as Ganesh Visarjan, brims with devotion. In unison, people joyfully chant, ‘Ganapati Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya,’ which translates to ‘Farewell, Lord Ganesha, please return to us next year.’ It’s a poignant moment filled with hope and longing for the beloved deity’s return.
