Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of wisdom, prosperity, and the remover of obstacles. It usually falls in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September).
🕉️ Spiritual Significance
Ganesh Chaturthi marks the arrival of Lord Ganesha on Earth and is believed to bring good fortune, success, and happiness. Devotees worship Ganesha before starting any new venture, as he is the Lord of Beginnings and Remover of Obstacles.
🙏 Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Rituals
- Installation of the Idol (Sthapana):
- A clay idol of Lord Ganesha is placed on a decorated platform in homes or public pandals.
- The idol is adorned with flowers, garlands, and ornaments.
- Invocation (Avahana):
- Prayers are offered to invoke the presence of Ganesha through Vedic mantras and rituals.
- Offerings (Naivedya):
- Devotees offer modaks (sweet dumplings), laddoos, durva grass, red flowers, coconut, and fruits, which are Lord Ganesha’s favorites.
- Aarti and Bhajans:
- Aarti is performed with lamps and incense, while bhajans (devotional songs) fill the air with devotion.
- Daily Puja:
- In multi-day celebrations (1.5 to 10 days), daily prayers, aartis, and offerings are made.
- Visarjan (Immersion):
- On the final day, the idol is taken in a grand procession and immersed in water (symbolizing his return to Mount Kailash), while chanting “Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!”
🌼 Message of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi teaches us the values of humility, wisdom, and devotion. It reminds us to clear obstacles in life through inner strength and seek blessings for new beginnings.
