Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, dedicated to Lord Ganesha- The God of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. It is also referred as Vinayaka Chaturthi. This festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha and is celebrated with great devotion across India in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Goa.
Ganesh Chaturthi, has its roots in ancient India, which was celebrated prominently during the Maratha Empire. Started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the late 19th century, it became a symbol of unity and resistance against British rule. Today, it involves elaborate rituals, vibrant processions, and communal harmony.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations continue for ten days, which commences on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada and ends on the fourteenth day (Anant Chaturdashi).
The preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi begin weeks in advance before the festival starts. Devotees clean and decorate their homes, and unique pandals are set up in public places. Idols of Ganesha, ranging from small to big sizes, are made with meticulous craftsmanship. Earlier, the idols were made of clay, but over time, materials like plaster of Paris have become common.
For ten days, Ganesh puja is done in houses and pandals by professional pandits. Devotees decorate their houses with pretty little pandals, make different types of food items for maha thal including puri, sabji, sweets, dal, rice and more to praise the Lord. Along with main Ganesh Chaturthi puja which is performed by professional pandits by reading ganesh mantras in Sanskrit, Ganpati bhajans, Satyanarayan katha is also performed for purity and peace in the home.
Ganesh Katha is also narrated by pandits which focuses on Ganesha’s blessings on devotees and miracles of believing in him. It also inspires people to be righteous in acts and deeds. Many devotees with guidance of pundits take mannat in front of Lord Ganesha to fulfil their desires and offer certain things to the diety when it is fulfilled.
The Ganesh Chaturthi puja is done in an organized way described as follows:
Ganesh Sthapana: The puja begins with the installation of beautifully created idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and public pandals. The idols are often made from clay, eco-friendly materials, or Plaster of Paris. The installation ceremony is performed with elaborate Hindu rituals, including the chanting of mantras and hymns.
Pranapratishtha: This ritual aims at invoking life into the idol of Ganesha. The pandit, or the head of the family, chants Vedic hymns and mantras to infuse the idol with divine energy, making it a living representation of God.
Shodashopachara: This step of puja involves offering of sixteen different types of rituals to Lord Ganesha, which include:
- Avahanam (invocation)
- Asanam (offering a seat)
- Padyam (washing of feet)
- Arghyam (offering water)
- Achamanam (offering water to sip)
- Snanam (bathing the idol)
- Vastra (clothing)
- Upaveeda (sacred thread)
- Gandham (sandalwood paste)
- Pushpam (flowers)
- Dhupam (incense)
- Deepam (lighting of a lamp)
- Naivedyam (offering food)
- Tambulam (betel leaves and nuts)
- Aarti
- Mantra Pushpam (recitation of hymns)
Offering Modak: Modak, a sweet made of rice flour, coconut, and jaggery, is believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favorite food. It is offered to the deity during the puja and distributed as prasad among the devotees on completion of the puja.
Aarti and Bhajans: Devotees headed by pandits perform aarti and sing bhajans in praise of Lord Ganesha. This creates a spiritual atmosphere, filled with joy and devotion.
Performing Ganesh Chaturthi puja brings a sense of togetherness. It is a time for families and friends to come together, share joy, and participate in collective worship. Spiritually, the festival is a reminder of Ganesha’s teachings wherein his elephant head signifies wisdom, his large ears teaches us to listen more, and his small mouth propogates to speak less. His broken tusk is a symbol of sacrifice, and the mushak – his vehicle represents his ability to overcome obstacles through intelligence and cleverness.
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