Ask any Indian, and you will know how Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival but an emotional affair. The atmosphere turns devotional and pure in Bappa’s presence. With Ganesh Chaturthi around the corner, we can already sense the excitement and happiness in the air. From its significance to the exact muhrat to the dishes prepared during this festival. Here’s all you need to know!
Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Significance, Muhrat
The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival will be observed in 2023, beginning on Tuesday, September 19th. The Hindu calendar predicts that Vinayak Chaturdashi 2023 will begin on Monday, September 18, at 12:39 pm and end on Tuesday, September 19, at 8:43 pm. On September 28, Ganpati Visarjan will mark the end of the ten-day Ganesh Utsav festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi and Ganeshotsav, celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of knowledge, wealth, and fortune. The most revered of all Hindu deities is Lord Ganesh, who is recognized as the remover of all barriers.
Lord Ganesh is regarded as the child of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in Hindu mythology. In accordance with an old myth, Lord Shiva decapitated Lord Ganesh in a fit of rage. Then he replaced the severed head with an elephant’s to comfort Goddess Parvati. He was then blessed to be the first of all deities.
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Revived As Public Event
During the reign of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji in the 17th century, the celebration became more well-known in Maharashtra. However, under the direction of famed independence warrior and social reformer Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the early 20th century, the Ganesh Chaturthi festival was revived and made a public event.
Ganesha statues are placed on platforms in homes or in ornately decorated outside tents at the beginning of the festival. Pran Pratishtha, a rite to bring life to the idols, is the first step in worship. This is followed by Shodashopachara, or the 16 ways of expressing adoration.
The Ganesh Upanishad and other Vedic hymns are chanted as people anoint the idols with red sandalwood paste and yellow and red flowers. Additionally, coconut, jaggery, and 21 ukadiche modaks—sweet dumplings thought to be Ganesha’s favorite food—are served to him. He is also served laddoos, puran poli, and fruits.
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What are the dishes you relish on this festival?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva