Ganesh Chaturthi is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is revered as the Remover of Obstacles (Vighnaharta) and the God of Wisdom, Prosperity, and New Beginnings.
It is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu, as well as in Hindu households worldwide.
📅 When is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
- On the Chaturthi (4th day) of Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August–September).
- Celebrations usually last for 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days, culminating in Ganesh Visarjan (idol immersion).
🙏 Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
- Symbolizes Ganesha’s arrival on earth to bless his devotees.
- Invoking Him removes obstacles, ensures success in ventures, and brings intellect and fortune.
- Promotes unity and joy through community celebrations and rituals.
🛕 Steps of Ganesh Chaturthi Puja
- Ganapati Sthapana (Installation of the Idol)
- The idol of Lord Ganesha (made of clay or eco-friendly materials) is brought home or to pandals with devotion.
- The Kalash Sthapana (sacred pot) is done.
- Idol is placed on a clean platform, decorated with flowers, mango leaves, and durva grass.
- Devotees chant:
“Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”
- Pran Pratistha (Invoking the Deity)
- Mantras and avahan (invocation) are performed to invite Lord Ganesha into the idol.
- The idol is treated with love and respect like a house guest.
- Shodashopachara Puja (16-Step Worship)
Includes:
- Avahanam – Inviting Lord Ganesha
- Asanam – Offering seat
- Padyam – Washing feet
- Arghyam – Offering holy water
- Achamanam – Offering water to drink
- Snanam – Symbolic bath with Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar)
- Vastra – Offering clothes
- Yajnopavita – Sacred thread
- Gandham – Applying sandalwood paste
- Pushpam – Offering flowers
- Dhoopam – Lighting incense
- Deepam – Offering light
- Naivedyam – Offering food (Modak, laddus, fruits)
- Tambulam – Offering betel leaves and nuts
- Aarti – Singing the aarti with devotion
- Pradakshina and Namaskar – Circumambulating and prostrating
🍬 Popular Offerings (Naivedya)
- Modak – Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet (steamed or fried)
- Laddu, coconut, bananas, jaggery, and sesame items
- Durva grass (3-bladed grass), considered extremely auspicious
🪔 Ganesh Aarti & Mantras
- Aarti:
“Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva…”
- Mantra for Wisdom:
“Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah”
- Obstacle Removal Mantra:
“Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kurume Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada”
🌊 Ganesh Visarjan (Immersion)
- Done after 1–10 days with chants of:
“Ganpati Bappa Morya, Agle Baras Tu Jaldi Aa!”
- Symbolizes Ganesha’s return to Mount Kailash, taking away devotees’ obstacles with Him.
🌿 Eco-Friendly Tips
- Use clay idols, natural colors, and biodegradable decorations.
- Avoid plastic, thermocol, and synthetic materials.
- Immersion in water tubs or artificial tanks is encouraged to protect rivers and oceans.
🎉 Devotion + Joy
Ganesh Chaturthi combines personal devotion, cultural art, music, dance, and social harmony. It strengthens family bonds and connects communities through collective celebration.
