Vinayaka Puja, also known as Vinayagar Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi, is a highly revered Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. It is celebrated with great devotion on the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September).
This auspicious day marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees believe that invoking Ganesha’s blessings at the start of any endeavor ensures success and protection from hindrances.
On this day, devotees install clay or eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and public pandals. The puja begins with a ritual bath for the idol (abhisheka) using water, milk, curd, honey, and ghee. The idol is then decorated with flowers, garlands, durva grass, kumkum, and sandal paste.
Puja offerings include:
- Modaks, Ganesha’s favorite sweet, symbolizing spiritual knowledge
- Coconuts, jaggery, bananas, and ladoos
- Durva (three-blade grass) and tulsi leaves
- Incense sticks, lamps, and camphor for aarti
Devotees chant Ganesha Ashtothram, Ganapati Atharvasheersha, and bhajans, followed by aarti and distribution of prasadam.
The puja rituals typically continue for 1, 3, 5, or 10 days, after which the idol is ceremoniously immersed in water (visarjan), symbolizing Ganesha’s return to Mount Kailash, taking away the devotees’ troubles with him.
Vinayaka Chaturthi is a festival of joy, devotion, and renewal, inviting Lord Ganesha into our homes and hearts to bless us with wisdom, peace, and success in all aspects of life.
