Ganesh Chaturthi 2022

Ganesh Chaturthi date and Puja Muhurat

Ganesha Chaturthi on Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat - 11:05 AM to 01:38 PM

Ganesha Visarjan on Friday, September 9, 2022

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesh. On Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. It is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. Currently, Ganesh Chaturthi day falls in the month of August or September in the English calendar.

The Ganeshotsav, the festivity of Ganesh Chaturthi, ends after 10 days on Anant Chaturdashi, also known as Ganesh Visarjan day. On Anant Chaturdashi, devotees immerse the idol of Lord Ganesh in a water body after a gala street procession.

Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi and Ganesh Chauth.

Ganapati Sthapana and Ganapati Puja Muhurat

Ganesh Puja is preferred during Madhyahna as it is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during Madhyahna Kala. Madhyahna Kala is equivalent to midday according to the Hindu division of the day.

As per Hindu time-keeping, the time duration between sunrise to sunset is divided into five equal parts. These five parts are known as Pratahkala, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna and Sayankal. Ganapati Sthapana and Ganapati Puja on Ganesha Chaturthi are done during the Madhyahna part of the day and as per Vedic astrology, it is considered the most appropriate time for Ganesha Puja.

During midday, Ganesha devotees perform detailed ritualistic Ganesha Puja, known as Shodashopachara Ganapati Puja.

Prohibited Moon Sighting on Ganesha Chaturthi

It is believed that one should not sight the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. Sighting the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi creates Mithya Dosham or Mithya Kalank (कलंक) which means false accusation of stealing something.

As per Puranic legends, Lord Krishna was falsely accused of stealing a precious jewel named Syamantaka. After seeing the plights of Lord Krishna, Sage Narada informed that Lord Krishna sighted the moon on the day of Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi and because of that he has been cursed with Mithya Dosha.

Sage Narada further informed Lord Krishna that God Chandra has been cursed by Lord Ganesha and that anyone who sighted the moon on Shukla Chaturthi during Bhadrapada month would be cursed with Mithya Dosha and would be tainted and dishonored in the society. On the advice of the sage, Narada Lord Krishna observed Ganesha Chaturthi fasting to get rid of Mithya Dosha.

Rituals to be followed for Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja

On this day, wake up early in the morning and take bath.

After taking bath, light a lamp in the temple of the house.

The idol of Ganesh Ji is established on this day.

Anoint the Lord Ganesha with Ganga water.

Install the idol of Ganpati.

If possible, keep fast on this day also.

Offer flowers to Lord Ganesha.

Also, offer Durva grass to Lord Ganesha. According to religious beliefs, Lord Ganesha is pleased by offering Durva grass.

Apply vermilion to Lord Ganesha.

Meditate on Lord Ganesha.

Offer offerings to Ganesh ji as well. You can alJi offer modaks or laddoos to Lord Ganesha.

Do the aarti of Lord Ganesha.