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 and muhurat to important rituals, here’s everything you need to know about the festivities this year.
Ganesh Chaturthi: Significance, Dates & Muhurat For This Year
The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival will begin on September 7, Saturday. As per the Drik Panchang, the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat starts at 11:03 AM and goes on till 1:34 PM on September 7. The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 03:01 PM on September 6 and ends at 5:37 PM on September 7. So, the ideal time for Ganpati sthapana would be between 11:03 AM and 1:34 PM on September 7. On September 17, 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.
Revival As Public Celebration & Rituals To Know About
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.
Since then, Ganesha statues have been placed on platforms in homes or in public pandals. The Ganesh Upanishad and other Vedic hymns are chanted as people anoint the idols with red sandalwood paste and yellow and red flowers.
Also, coconut, jaggery, and 21 ukadiche modaks—sweet dumplings thought to be Ganesha’s favourite food—are served to him. He is also served laddoos, puran poli, and fruits throughout this 10-day festival.
Things to keep in mind during Ganpati sthapana –
1. Position the Ganpati idol so that it faces the north side. Also, it has to be placed in the northeast direction of your home.
2. Make sure to deep clean the area where you would install the idol beforehand.
3. After placing the idol, sprinkle it with rice and Gangajal.
4. On the idol’s right side, place a water container.
5. Also, offer diya, flowers, fruits, and sweets during puja.
We hope this information was useful to you all! We wish that Bappa brings joy and prosperity, and removes all the hurdles in your life
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
This story was first published in September 2023 and has been updated.
With inputs from Tashika Tyagi.