Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of the divine qualities of Lord Ganesha

Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of the divine qualities of Lord Ganesha. This 10-day-long celebration is observed with great fervor and devotion by Hindus across the world, particularly in India.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, is a highly revered Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity. Considered the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha is often invoked at the start of any new endeavor, intellectual pursuit, or business venture.

This 10-day-long celebration is observed with great fervor and devotion by Hindus across the world, particularly in India. Lord Ganesha, also known by various names such as Gajanana, Dhoomraketu, Ekdanta, Vakrtunda, and Siddhi Vinayaka, is revered as the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.

The festival begins on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, typically between August and September. During this time, elaborately decorated clay idols of Lord Ganesha were installed in homes, temples, and temporary public stages called pandals and then worshipped through various rituals and ceremonies.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Date and Timings

The 10-day festival begins on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which typically falls between August and September, as per the Gregorian calendar. In 2024, the festivities and their rituals will commence on Friday, September 6th, at 03:01 p.m. and conclude at 05:37 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17th.

The Ganesh Visarjan for 2024 is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17th. The Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat, a highly favorable period, begins at 11:03 a.m. and extends until 01:34 p.m., spanning 2 hours and 31 minutes.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Origin and Significance

The origins of Ganesh Chaturthi can be traced back to the Maratha Empire in the 17th century when it was celebrated by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to promote nationalism and unity among his subjects.

However, the festival gained overall popularity during the British colonial era, when freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak used it as a medium to bring people together and inspire them to fight for independence.

Celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity, Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, holds immense significance in Hindu culture and spirituality.

According to Hindu mythology, he was created by Goddess Parvati using her own body, who breathed life into him. Appointed as the ‘Vighnaharta’ or the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of wisdom, intellect, and learning. Devotees seek his blessings for success in their endeavors, education, and new beginnings.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Rituals and Celebration

Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that brings communities together. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and people from all walks of life participate in the festivities across India. Beyond its profound religious essence, Ganesh Chaturthi holds immense cultural and social significance, serving as a unifying force and a platform for artistic expression.

The festival transcends boundaries, bringing together people from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, to celebrate the divine presence of Lord Ganesha. To ensure a prosperous and auspicious Ganesh Chaturthi celebration in 2024, devotees are advised to adhere to the prescribed rituals and customs:

1.Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean attire to begin the day with purity and devotion.

2.Place the idol on a chowki (raised platform) adorned with a red or yellow cloth, symbolizing auspiciousness and royalty.

3.Offer prayers and various items to the deity, including Ganga Jal (sacred water), diya (lamp), haldi-kumkum tilak (auspicious mark), Laddo or Modak (sweet dumplings), flowers, and fruits.

4.Decorate the idol’s surroundings with ornamental embellishments, creating a visually appealing and welcoming atmosphere.

5.Commence the pooja (worship) with the chanting of the “Om Gan Ganpataye Namah” mantra, followed by recitations from sacred texts and the singing of devotional songs (bhajan kirtan).

For those unable to bring Lord Ganesha home, visiting temples and offering prayers is encouraged, as it allows them to participate in the festivities and seek the blessings of the beloved deity.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of the divine qualities of Lord Ganesha and a time for spiritual reflection. The festival’s enduring legacy continues to inspire and unite people, transcending boundaries and celebrating the shared cultural heritage of India.

Prohibited Moon Sighting on Ganesha Chaturthi

It is believed that one should not see 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.