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Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi or Vinayagar Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival that tributes Hindu deity Ganesha. The festival is marked with the installation of Ganesha's clay murtis privately in homes and publicly on elaborate pandals.
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, will be observed on Saturday, September 7, 2024. It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. Here are some details about Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha:
- When : Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated between August 22 and September 20 each year.
- How long : The festival lasts for 10 days, but some people celebrate for three or five days.
- What's celebrated : Devotees bring a small idol of Lord Ganesha home and worship him. They also prepare his favorite food and offer it to him as bhog. It lasts for 3 to 5 days of prayers and celebrations. After that they will carry their idol as procession and throw them to rivers or ponds. They think this ritual is for destroying the negative energy surrounded to them. For this the state governments will arrange the uninterrupted processions.
- Why : The festival is celebrated for different reasons in different parts of the world, but one of the most common reasons is to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha.
- Where : Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in Hindu communities worldwide, but is especially popular in Maharashtra and parts of western India.
- History : The festival became more popular after Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, an anti-colonial freedom fighter, organized a public celebration in 1893. The festival was used to form a "Hindu nationalist identity" and rebel against British rule.
- Significance : Lord Ganesha is known for his wisdom and is revered as an obstacle remover.
- Other details : During the festival, people read texts, feast, and participate in athletic and martial arts competitions.
Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most-loved festivals in India, is replete with divinity, celebrations, and flamboyance. It is a festival that cuts across all religions, castes, and creeds. Think Ganesh Chaturthi, and the beautiful idol of Lord Ganesh comes to mind - the excitement, the crowds, the aroma of His favourite modaks and chants just fill the air!
Lord Ganesh is seen as a God for all. He is regarded as the God of new beginnings, fresh starts, remover of obstacles, and a patron of learning. This 10-day long festival not only celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesh, but is also a social and community event that brings people together and promotes harmony.
The popular belief is that Lord Ganesh visits earth during these 10 days to bless His devotees. Hence, for those who have an existing Ganesh statue in their house, this is the time to serve Him and take special care of Him, like a much-loved guest.
Festivals in India are incomplete without a host of delicacies and Ganesh Chaturthi is no different. Throughout this 10-day extravaganza, a lot of effort is put in to please Lord Ganesh. His favourite food is prepared and offered to Him as bhog.
“The greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals”. This oft repeated quote epitomises Ganesh Chaturthi. This sacred festival propagates co-existence and harmony, as it bridges the gap between people. Apart from all the feasting and exuberance that this festival exudes, the people eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Lord of Peace, and the Harbinger of Happiness and Prosperity. Today, there is also a lot of awareness in terms of organic choices for the Ganapati idol, and methods that affect marine life and pollute the environment are discouraged.