Ganesh Chaturthi Festival : Celebration, History & Significance
🪔 Ganesh Chaturthi – The Festival of Lord Ganesha
Introduction:
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular Hindu festivals in India, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. It is also called Vinayaka Chaturthi.
When it is celebrated:
- Celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September) according to the Hindu calendar.
- It lasts for 10 days, beginning on Ganesh Chaturthi (the 4th day of the lunar month) and ending with Anant Chaturdashi.
Why it is celebrated:
- It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- People believe worshipping him during this festival removes obstacles and brings happiness, wisdom, and success.
How it is celebrated:
- Installation of Idols:
- Beautiful clay idols of Lord Ganesha are brought home or placed in public pandals (temporary stages).
- Puja & Aarti:
- Devotees perform prayers, aarti, and offer sweets (especially Modak, Ganesha’s favorite).
- Cultural Programs:
- Music, dance, and cultural activities are organized in pandals.
- Visarjan (Immersion):
- On the last day (Anant Chaturdashi), the idol of Lord Ganesha is immersed in water with the chant “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” (O Lord Ganesha, come again early next year).
Significance:
- Symbol of new beginnings, wisdom, and prosperity.
- Promotes unity and togetherness, as families and communities celebrate together.
- Teaches the value of devotion, humility, and respect for nature (clay idols and eco-friendly celebrations are encouraged today).
Global Celebration:
While it is grandly celebrated in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, it has now spread across India and countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia wherever Indian communities live.
✨ In short: Ganesh Chaturthi is the festival of Lord Ganesha, celebrated with devotion, joy, and togetherness, reminding us that faith and wisdom help us overcome all obstacles.