Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. This festival marks the birth of Ganesha and is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm across India. In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Saturday, 7 Sept, 2024.
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity. According to Hindu mythology, Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is revered as the god of beginnings and is often invoked before any new venture or ritual. The festival signifies Ganesha’s arrival on earth from Kailash Parvat with his mother, Goddess Parvati. It is believed that during this time, Ganesha bestows his blessings on his devotees, bringing them prosperity, wisdom, and removing obstacles from their path.
How is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi varies from region to region, but the essence remains the same. Here’s how it is commonly celebrated:
- Preparation and Decoration: Preparations begin weeks in advance. Homes, temples, and public spaces are cleaned and decorated. Beautifully crafted idols of Lord Ganesha, ranging from small to enormous sizes, are made by artisans.
- Pranapratishtha: On the first day of the festival, the idol of Ganesha is brought home or installed in public pandals (temporary structures) with great pomp and ceremony. The ritual of ‘Pranapratishtha’ involves invoking the deity into the idol, accompanied by the chanting of mantras and hymns.
- Daily Pujas and Offerings: For the next 10 days, daily pujas (rituals) are performed with devotion. Devotees offer modaks (sweet dumplings), fruits, flowers, and other delicacies to Ganesha. Songs, aartis (devotional songs), and dances are performed in his honor.
- Cultural Events: Various cultural events, including music, dance, and theater performances, are organized during this period. Community feasts and charitable activities are also common.
- Visarjan: The festival concludes with the immersion (Visarjan) of the idol in a water body on the 11th day. The procession is grand, with people dancing, singing, and shouting slogans like “Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudhachya Varshi Lavkar Ya!” (O Lord Ganesha, come again early next year!).
Date and Muhurat for Ganesh Chaturthi 2024
In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Saturday, 7 Sept, 2024. The auspicious time (muhurat) for the installation of Lord Ganesha’s idol typically falls during the Madhyahna period, which is midday according to the Hindu calendar. The specific muhurat for the installation may vary depending on the location and local customs. It is advisable to consult a local priest or a Panchang (Hindu almanac) for the exact timings.
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a religious festival but a cultural extravaganza that brings people together, transcending barriers of caste and creed. It is a time for devotion, celebration, and community bonding. As you prepare to welcome Lord Ganesha into your homes and hearts in 2024, may he bless you with wisdom, prosperity, and the strength to overcome all obstacles.
Ganapati Bappa Morya!
