📜Significance:
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most celebrated festivals in Maharashtra. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. On this day, devotees bring home Ganpati idols and worship Him with complete devotion.
This puja is considered highly auspicious for new beginnings, success in ventures, and removal of Vighnas (obstacles).
🗓️ When It’s Performed:
Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi in the month of Bhadrapada (usually August or September).
🛐 Who Can Perform:
- Any devotee can perform this puja at home.
- Typically performed by families, business owners, or organizations.
- A Panditji is often invited for Pran Pratishtha & rituals.
📦 Puja Samagri (Items Required):
- Ganesh idol (Shadu mati murti preferred in Maharashtra)
- Durva grass (21 strands)
- Modak (special bhog)
- Red flowers, garlands
- Coconut, betel leaves, betel nuts
- Fruits (especially banana, pomegranate)
- Sweets like ladoos
- Incense sticks, dhoop, diya
- Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar)
- Kalash, roli, rice, haldi-kumkum
- Ganpati Atharvashirsha book or printout
🕯️ Main Rituals:
- Sthapana (Installation) of Ganesh idol
- Pran Pratishtha – Invoking divine presence
- Shodashopachara Puja – 16-step worship process
- Aarti – Morning & evening with devotion
- Bhog offering – Especially Modak
- Visarjan – Idol immersion (on 1.5th, 3rd, 5th, 7th or 10th day)
⏳ Duration of Puja:
Minimum 1 to 2 hours, depending on rituals.
Some families also perform daily puja till Visarjan.
🎁 Benefits of Ganesh Chaturthi Puja:
- Brings prosperity, wisdom, and success
- Removes negativity and obstacles
- Ideal for new business, marriage, or academic success
- Family harmony and spiritual upliftment
