Ganesh Chaturthi || गणेश चतुर्थी: कब, कैसे, क्यों मनाएं और किन बातों से बचें ||

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024

Ganesh Chaturthi has both historical and religious significance. The primary purpose of this festival is to worship Lord Ganesh and seek his blessings for happiness, prosperity, knowledge, and success. In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on September 7. This festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesh, who is revered as the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and remover of obstacles. On this day, an idol of Lord Ganesh is established, and special prayers are offered for ten days, after which the idol is immersed in water.

Religious Context: The religious importance of Ganesh Chaturthi lies in celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesh. According to mythological accounts, Goddess Parvati created Ganesh from the sandalwood of her body and placed him as a guardian at her door. In ignorance, Lord Shiva beheaded Ganesh, but when he realized that Ganesh was his son, he restored his life by replacing his head with that of an elephant. Since then, Ganesh has been worshipped as “Vighnaharta” (remover of obstacles) and “Siddhidata” (grantor of success).

Why is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. Devotees worship Lord Ganesha on this day to remove obstacles from their lives and pave the way for success. The festival also symbolizes new beginnings and prosperity.

How to Perform the Ganesh Chaturthi Puja?

1. Preparation:

• Puja Area: First, set up a clean and sacred space in your home. Place a wooden platform or table and cover it with a clean white or red cloth.
• Idol Installation: Place the idol or picture of Lord Ganesha on the platform. It is considered auspicious to place the idol facing the northeast direction.

2. Puja Materials:

• Lamp, incense sticks
• Modak, laddoo, fruits, coconut
• Vermillion (roli), turmeric, rice grains (akshat)
• Betel leaves, betel nuts, flowers, durva (grass)
• Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar)
• Holy water (Ganga jal)
• Ganesh Stotra (hymns)
• Ganesh Aarti

3. Puja Procedure:

• Invocation: Begin by inviting Lord Ganesha with the mantra “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah.”
• Abhishek: Bathe the idol with water, Panchamrit, and then with clean water again.
• After the Bath: Wipe the idol with a clean cloth and dress it with fresh clothes and ornaments.
• Tilak: Apply vermillion and turmeric to the idol and offer rice grains (akshat).
• Incense and Lamp: Light the lamp and offer incense sticks.
• Flower Offering: Offer flowers and durva grass to Lord Ganesha. While offering durva, chant the mantra “Om Shri Ganadhipataye Namah.”
• Bhog (Food Offerings): Offer modaks, laddoos, fruits, and other prasad to Lord Ganesha.
• Aarti: Perform the aarti for Lord Ganesha, and distribute prasad to all after the aarti.

Food (Prasad):

During Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees specifically prepare and offer modaks, which are considered Lord Ganesha's favorite food. Additionally, laddoos, puris, halwa, fruits, coconuts, and betel leaves are also offered as prasad. It is believed that Lord Ganesha prefers fresh and delicious food, so pure and sattvic (pure) food is used on this day.

Visarjan (Immersion):

After ten days of worship, immerse the idol of Lord Ganesha in water. During the immersion, bid farewell with the chant “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Agle Baras Tu Jaldi Aa” (Come soon next year, O Lord Ganesha).

What Not to Do on Ganesh Chaturthi?

1. Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food and Alcohol: Do not consume tamasic (impure) food and alcohol on this day.
2. Avoid Viewing the Moon: It is believed that seeing the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi leads to false accusations. Therefore, it is advised to avoid moon viewing.
3. Maintain Cleanliness: Ensure cleanliness of the puja area and home, as Lord Ganesha values purity.
4. Do Not Disrespect: Maintain love and respect for everyone on this day, and avoid any form of disrespect.

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi correctly brings joy, prosperity, and peace into one's life.