Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi (also Vinayaka Chaturthi) is an annual Hindu festival.  It is the most important religious festival in the state of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Significance: Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival of utmost significance for all of us. We celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha on this day. Lord Ganesha is also known as “Vighna Vinasaka”, which means, one who destroys and remove obstacles. Ganesha blesses us with peace and prosperity.

Lord Ganesha, also known as Vinayaka, is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Festival Time (month): Now, let us discuss the month and the duration for which the festival is celebrated.  It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadra. The festival starts on Shukla Chaturthi and ends on Anant Chaturdashi. It is usually celebrated in the month of August or September. The duration of the festival is generally 10 days.

Ritual and Celebration: The rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi are elaborate. People celebrate this festival with great pomp and gaiety. Idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in various pandals. These pandals are magnificently decorated with flowers, lights, etc. The enthusiasm of the devotees is praiseworthy. After installing the idol of deities, people worship them for 10 days. The priest does the Pranpartishtha ceremony. It is done to invoke the God. Various types of fruits, sweets, garlands, etc. are offered to Lord Ganesha. During the procession, devotees chant “Ganpati Bappa Morya”.

At the end of the festival, the idol of the deities are immersed in holy rivers.

People also bring idols of Ganesha in their homes. They offer sweets and worship Lord Ganesha.

Let us all celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi festival with all our heart, and get the blessings from Lord Ganesha.