Anant Chaturdshi 2024 || अनंत चतुर्दशी: गणपति जी की विदाई और भगवान विष्णु जी की अनंत लीला ||

Anant Chaturdashi is an important Hindu festival celebrated on the Chaturdashi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. This festival is particularly known for the worship of Lord Vishnu and the immersion (visarjan) of Lord Ganesha. Anant Chaturdashi holds great religious and cultural significance.

Importance of Anant Chaturdashi:

1. Worship of Lord Vishnu:
   • This festival is mainly dedicated to the “Anant” (infinite) form of Lord Vishnu, meaning “boundless” or “infinite.” On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and pray for peace and prosperity in their lives.
   • Devotees observe the Anant Vrat, a vow taken for 14 years, seeking blessings and protection from the Lord. After the puja, a sacred thread called Anant Sutra is tied on the wrist, symbolizing divine grace and protection.
2. Ganesh Visarjan:
   • Anant Chaturdashi also marks the conclusion of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival. On this day, idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in water.
   • Devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with joyous processions, dancing, and singing, while praying for his return the following year. During the immersion, chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya,” (O Lord Ganesha, come again next year) echo through the streets.

Puja and Rituals on Anant Chaturdashi:

1. Anant Vrat:
   • Devotees observe a fast and perform special puja dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
   • Offerings of incense, lamps, flowers, and special food items are made, among which the Anant Prasad (a dish made of rice, milk, and sugar) is significant.
   • After the puja, the Anant Sutra is tied on the wrist, symbolizing prosperity and Lord Vishnu’s blessings in life.
2. Ganesh Visarjan:
   • The immersion of Lord Ganesha is celebrated with great fervor, especially in Maharashtra, where large processions carry beautifully decorated idols of Ganesha to be immersed in water bodies.
   • The ritual of immersion symbolizes the cycle of creation and destruction, with the hope that Lord Ganesha will return the following year to bless his devotees.

The Story of Anant Chaturdashi:

A well-known story associated with this day is about King Sushen and his wife, Diksha. According to the tale, King Sushen attained immense wealth due to the Anant Sutra, but his wife's disbelief led to the loss of their prosperity. Later, realizing her mistake, Diksha observed the Anant Vrat, and as a result, their kingdom flourished once again. This story highlights the significance of the Anant Vrat, which is believed to bring happiness and prosperity to those who observe it.

Regional Celebrations:

• In Maharashtra, the main attraction of Anant Chaturdashi is the Ganesh Visarjan, with grand processions and elaborate ceremonies.
• In North India, the day is observed as a celebration of Lord Vishnu’s worship, with special rituals and offerings made in temples.

Anant Chaturdashi in 2024:

In 2024, Anant Chaturdashi will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 17. This day symbolizes devotion, faith, and joy, reflecting the infinite grace of the Lord and the cycle of creation and dissolution.