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Ganesh Chaturthi Kab Hai
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most popular Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7. This auspicious day is observed with great enthusiasm across India and in various parts of the world where Hindu communities reside. Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha and the beginning of a 10-day festival filled with devotion, joy, and cultural activities.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
The festival holds immense cultural and religious significance. It is believed that Lord Ganesha was born on the fourth day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This day is celebrated to honor the birth of Ganesha, the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta) and the god who grants wisdom and prosperity.
Ganesha is considered the first deity to be worshipped before starting any auspicious work or new endeavor. This is why Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by prayers seeking his blessings for success and happiness. The festival is not just about religious rituals but also a symbol of unity, community bonding, and togetherness.
Date And Time For Ganesh Chaturthi 2024
In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi will fall on Friday, September 6. The Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) begins at 3:01 PM on September 6, 2024, and ends at 5:37 PM on September 7, 2024.
Rituals And Celebrations
1. Installation of Ganesha Idols
The festivities begin with the installation of beautifully crafted idols of Lord Ganesha in homes, temples, and public pandals (temporary stages). These idols are made from clay, plaster of Paris, or eco-friendly materials. People bring the idol home with a grand procession, accompanied by traditional music and dance. In public places, large pandals are set up where huge Ganesha idols are installed for public worship.
2. Ganesh Puja
On the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, families perform the Ganesh Puja in the morning or midday. The ritual begins with the Pranapratishtha (infusing life into the idol), followed by the 16-step worship known as Shodashopachara. Devotees offer flowers, sweets like modaks (Ganesha’s favorite food), and coconuts to the deity. Mantras, bhajans, and aartis (devotional songs) are recited during the puja, creating a divine atmosphere.
3. Modak and Other Offerings
Modaks, a sweet dumpling filled with coconut and jaggery, are considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite food. These are offered to the deity as prasad and then distributed among family members and neighbors. Along with modaks, devotees also offer ladoos, fruits, and other sweets to please the deity.
4. Cultural Activities and Processions
During the 10-day festival, many public events, cultural programs, and community activities take place. In Maharashtra, the celebration reaches its peak with musical processions, dance performances, and social events in every nook and corner. Communities come together to participate in these events, strengthening their bonds.
5. Eco-friendly Celebrations
Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly manner. Many households and organizations are opting for clay idols that dissolve easily in water, thereby reducing the environmental impact. The use of organic colors and eco-friendly decorations is also promoted to make the festival more sustainable.
Visarjan: The Immersion of Ganesha Idols
The conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by the grand immersion of the Ganesha idols into water bodies, a ceremony known as Ganesh Visarjan. The immersion symbolizes the return of Lord Ganesha to Mount Kailash, where he resides with his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is also a reminder of the impermanence of life.
The immersion process is a joyous occasion, filled with loud chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” (Hail Lord Ganesha, return soon next year). In Mumbai, thousands of people gather at beaches and riverbanks to participate in the Visarjan ceremony. The immersion can take place on the 1.5th, 3rd, 5th, 7th, or 10th day of the festival, depending on personal or family traditions.
Regional Variations in Celebration
Although Ganesh Chaturthi is widely celebrated across India, the way it is observed can vary by region:
- Maharashtra: The festival is celebrated with unparalleled grandeur. Public pandals, large-scale processions, and cultural programs make Maharashtra the heart of Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.
- Karnataka: In Karnataka, along with public celebrations, homes also host Ganesha idols. The rituals are performed with devotion, and local cultural activities include traditional dances and plays.
- Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu, the festival is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. It is celebrated with family prayers and offerings. Public pandals are also set up in major cities.
- Goa: Ganesh Chaturthi holds special significance in Goa. It is celebrated with traditional rituals, songs, and folk dances. Families gather to worship the clay idols of Ganesha, which are later immersed in rivers or lakes.
- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with enthusiasm. Huge idols are installed in public places, and there are vibrant cultural activities, including music and dance performances.
Mythological Stories Behind Ganesh Chaturthi
Several legends are associated with the birth of Lord Ganesha. The most popular one is that Goddess Parvati created Ganesha out of clay and breathed life into him. She assigned him the duty of guarding the entrance while she bathed. When Lord Shiva, her husband, returned and tried to enter, Ganesha, not knowing who he was, stopped him. Angered, Lord Shiva beheaded Ganesha. Upon learning the truth, he replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant, giving him a new life.
Another story is that Ganesha was appointed as the leader of the Ganas (followers of Shiva) by Lord Shiva himself, which is why he is known as Ganapati or the leader of the Ganas.
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