Ganesh Chathurthi 2024
Ganesh Chathurthi (Vinayaka Chavithi, Ganesh Utsav, Vinayaka Chathurthi )
The happy Hindu holiday of Ganesh Chathurthi, also called Vinayaka Chathurthi, commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of fortune, prosperity, and knowledge. The festival, which is characterized by ornate rituals, starts with the temporary placement of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals. Other cultural events and prayers are then held. Aarti, a light-based religious event, and modaks, which are said to be Ganesha's favourite food, are presented by devotees. The celebration culminates in the idols being submerged in water, symbolizing Ganesha's return to his heavenly abode. It is accompanied by magnificent processions, dancing, and music. Ganesh Chathurthi brings people together in joyous celebration and encourages dedication and a sense of community.
In 2024, when is Ganesh Chathurthi ?
September 6, 2024, a Friday, is Ganesh Chathurthi. The birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, wealth, and good fortune, is commemorated on this Hindu holiday. The celebrations typically continue 10 days, with Ganesh Visarjan—when the idols are submerged in water—celebrating on Anant Chaturdashi.
About Ganesh Murti
Hindu god Ganesha has a human body and an elephant head. He is the brother of the god of war, Karthikeya, and the son of Shiva, the ruler of devastation, and Parvati. Known by several names such as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, Lord Ganesha is a highly adored deity in Hinduism. As the deity of knowledge and intelligence, the remover of obstacles, and the patron of the arts and sciences, he is well respected. All around the world, he is admired and well-known for his distinctive elephant-headed form.
History of Ganesh Chathurthi (Vinayaka Chaviti)
An annual Hindu holiday known as Ganesh Chaturthi commemorates the birth of the elephant-headed god of prosperity and knowledge, Lord Ganesha. It started in the 17th century during the Maratha Empire and became very popular in the late 19th century due to Lokmanya Tilak's attempts to make it a public event to promote nationalism and unity against British rule. Installing Ganesha statues, carrying out rituals, making prayers, and immersing the idols in bodies of water—a symbol of the natural world and life cycle—compile the event's activities.
Hindu mythology states that Goddess Parvati created Ganesha out of sandalwood paste to keep her private during her baths. Ganesha refused to let Lord Shiva back in, and they fought, with Shiva taking off Ganesha's head. Ganesha was given new life and became the leader of his armies, a revered deity, after Shiva discovered he was Parvati's son and replaced his head with an elephant's.
In India, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, and some regions of Tamil Nadu all observe Ganesh Chathurthi. It has also gained international recognition, especially in countries with sizable Hindu populations. More attention has been paid in recent years to ecologically friendly celebrations; non-biodegradable items have been replaced with natural materials and clay idols to lessen the harm to the environment.
Rituals of Ganesh Chathurthi (Ganesh Puja Vidhi)
Puja Preparations Vinayaka Chathurthi
Cleaning and Decoration: The space where the puja will take place should be cleaned, then brightly coloured rangoli (powder designs) should be added, along with flowers and lighting.
Eco Friendly Ganesha: One either brings home or installs in a pandal a clay figure of Lord Ganesha. The idol is positioned atop a lovely platform.
Pran Pratishtha
In order to bring the idol to life during this event, mantras and hymns are chanted. This rite is usually conducted by a priest in open pandals.
Shodashopachara (16 Ways of Worship)
Aavahana (Invocation): Invites Lord Ganesha to the pooja.
Asana (Offering Seat): Providing a seat for the deity.
Padya (Washing Feet): Ganesha's feet are symbolically washed with water.
Achamana (Purification): Offering water for drinking.
Madhuparka (Honey and Milk): A combination of honey and milk.
Snana (Bathing): Historically bathing the idol in water and panchamrit.
Yajnopavita (Sacred Thread): Giving the sacred thread.
Gandha (Sandalwood Paste): Using sandalwood paste on the idol.
Pushpa (Flowers): Offering flowers.
Dhoop (incense): The act of offering incense.
Deepa (Lamp): Presents a lamp.
Vastra (Clothing) is the process of dressing the deity in new clothes.
Naivedya (Food Offering): Provides sweets, fruits, and other food things.
Tambula (Betel Leaves): Providing betel leaves and nuts.
Arghya (Offering): Providing water to Ganesha.
Aarti: Performing aarti with burning camphor while chanting hymns.
Puja and Aarti
- Every day there is aarti and puja, during which the Ganesh Atharvashirsha, Ganesh Upanishad, and other scriptures are recited.
- During the aarti, devotees sing hymns and wave lamps in front of the statue.
Eco Friendly Ganpati
Eco-friendly celebrations have gained prominence in recent years, and clay ganesha has been painted in natural colors to lessen its impact on the environment.
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