Ganapati Puja is a beloved and auspicious ritual dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and remover of obstacles. Celebrated widely across India, the puja is particularly observed during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which marks Lord Ganesha’s birth, but can also be performed on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and during other significant occasions.

The preparation for Ganapati Puja starts with cleaning the home and the puja space. An idol or image of Lord Ganesha is placed on a clean altar, often surrounded by flowers, incense, and decorations like mango leaves and torans (traditional hanging decorations).

The ritual begins by invoking Lord Ganesha through a prayer to remove all obstacles, both material and spiritual. The puja involves Ganapati Ashtakshara Mantra (“Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”) and chanting the Ganapati Stotra, which praises Lord Ganesha’s divine qualities. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, modaks (Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet), coconut, and betel leaves as offerings.

A significant part of the puja is the Ganapati Prarthana, where devotees express their gratitude and seek blessings for success in endeavors, wisdom, and spiritual growth. Sankalpa (a vow or intention) is made, focusing on specific wishes or goals.

The puja also includes the invocation of the Ganesh mantra and performing Abhishekam, where offerings like milk, honey, ghee, and sugar are poured over the idol of Lord Ganesha, symbolizing purification and grace. The ritual concludes with the singing of the Aarti and distributing prasadam among family and friends.

Ganapati Puja fosters an atmosphere of joy, peace, and prosperity. It invokes Lord Ganesha’s divine blessings for success in all endeavors, the removal of obstacles, and the attainment of wisdom.