Lord Ganesha’s birthday is celebrated on Ganesh Chaturthi. He is an elephant-headed deity, worshipped as the remover of obstacles and bringer of prosperity. According to Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is considered to be the leader among the five major gods. Being the god of wisdom and intelligence, he is considered to be the first to be worshipped in every auspicious and auspicious work. Lord Ganesha is also known by various names like Ganapati, Vinayak, Lambodar, Vakratunda, Ekadanta, Pratham Pujya etc.
Table of Content
- About Ganesh Chaturthi
- Celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi
- History of Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav
- Things Required for Vinayagar Chaturthi
- Home Decoration on Ganesh Chaturthi
- Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja Samagri List
- Significance of Vinayaka Chavithi
- Frequently Asked Questions
About Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India, especially in Maharashtra. Ganesh Chaturthi is called Ganesh Utsav in Maharashtra. It is a festival of happiness, devotion and community engagement. This 11-day long Ganpati festival begins with Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi), which concludes on Anant Chaturdashi (Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturdashi). Four main rituals are performed during this period, Ganpati Pran Pratishtha, Shodashopachara, Uttar Puja and Ganpati Visarjan.
Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Ganeshotsav, Ganesh Utsav, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Vinayaka Chavithi or Vinayagar Chaturthi. On this day, Chaurchan festival is celebrated in the Mithila region of Bihar which is related to Lord Ganesha and Chandradev.
Celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi
On the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, beautiful Ganesh Murti (statues) are installed in homes, temples, and pooja pandals (temporary structures). The Ganesh idol is placed on a decorated altar and offerings are made with devotion. That is, Ganapati is invited to your home. He is worshipped in the traditional manner as a guest. Devotees of Ganesha pray, sing devotional hymns, and perform various rituals to seek his blessings. For the next 10 days, Lord Ganesha is worshipped every day. People serve Ganesha with great enthusiasm as a guest.
On the day of Anant Chaturdashi, the festival concludes with Ganesh Visarjan. On this day, first of all Ganapati is worshipped, then he is taken to a nearby river or pond with a grand procession. During this journey, people move forward dancing, singing and praising the Lord. On reaching the reservoir, Ganapati Murti is immersed in water while requesting him to come early next year. This immersion symbolises the return of the Lord to his divine abode.
Ganpati Bappa Morya…Mangal Murti Morya !
History of Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav
Some historians believe that the festival was first held during the reign of the Indian king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680). It was later taken forward by the Peshwas. With Ganapati being their patron deity, it continued to be celebrated as a state festival. However, after the fall of the Peshwas, the festival lost its popularity due to lack of state patronage. But it continued to be celebrated in Pune and parts of Maharashtra.
In 1892, Shrimant Bhausaheb Laxman Javale is credited with reviving the tradition of hoisting the idol of Ganapati in public during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak praised Javale’s efforts in the newspaper ‘Kesari’ published by him. Impressed by Javale, in 1893 Tilak installed the idol of Ganesh in the office of Kesari. He promoted the festival as a social event. Its main objective was to raise people above casteism, instil confidence in them and give impetus to India’s freedom movement. Thus, the credit for making the Ganapati festival popular among the masses goes to Lokmanya Tilak.
Since then, this festival has become widespread and even today this festival is celebrated with the same pomp and enthusiasm.
Things Required for Ganesh Chaturthi
- Ganpati Murti (Idol of Lord Ganesha and Throne)
- Pooja items (Flowers, Fruits, Incense sticks, Camphor etc.)
- Modak (sweet delicacy) and Panchamrit
- Home Decorations (Lights, Garlands, Festoon, Durva, Rangoli)
- Devotional songs and hymns
- Positive energy and a festive spirit
Home Decoration on Ganesh Chaturthi
Here are some simple, unique and innovative Ganesh Chaturthi background decoration ideas with minimal items at home.
On this festival people bring Lord Ganesha to their homes, worship him and seek blessings for a happy and prosperous life. On this day people decorate their homes in various ways and make delicious modaks for prasad. You can also decorate the pandal of Lord Ganpati with the help of materials available at very low cost. For Ganesh Utsav small home decoration, you do not need to buy items from outside. You can decorate the place of worship with some flowers, durva and banana leaves. Durva (botanical name: Cynodon dactylon) should be used in both decoration and worship.
Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja Samagri List
Haldi, Kumkum, Betel Nut, Sindoor, Gulal, Cloves, Red Color Cloth, Janeu Joda, Durva, Camphor, Deep, Dhoop, Panchamrit, Mauli, Fruits, Panchmeva, Gangajal, Kalash, Fruits, Coconut, Red Sandalwood, Modak.
Lord Ganesha loves ‘Doob or Durva Grass’ and ‘Modak Prasad’ the most.
After Ganesh Chaturthi Puja, Modaks, fruits, dry fruits etc. are offered to Ganpati and finally Aarti is performed and blessings are sought in the mind. Then this Prasad and Panchamrit is distributed among other people present there.
Significance of Vinayaka Chavithi
The first revered Lord Ganesha is considered to be the remover of obstacles and paves the way for success, hence he is also associated with prosperity, wisdom and good fortune. Therefore, everyone participates in this festival with equal enthusiasm. As a result the festival promotes social unity, goodwill and community cohesion. Thus, Ganapati festival on Chaturthi is a very important festival in Sanatan Hinduism.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ganesh Utsav
- When is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated? – It is typically celebrated on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.
- What is the significance of the elephant head? – The elephant head symbolises wisdom, power, and auspiciousness.
- Why is Lord Ganesha worshipped first in any auspicious event? – Ganesha is considered the remover of obstacles, so it’s customary to invoke him before beginning any important endeavour.
- What is a Ganesh Murti? – It’s a beautifully crafted idol of Lord Ganesha.
- What is the significance of the visarjan ceremony? – It symbolises the Lord’s return to his celestial abode.
- What are some popular offerings made to Lord Ganesha during the festival? – Modak (a sweet delicacy), flowers, fruits, and incense are commonly offered.
- What is the significance of the rangoli patterns created during Ganesh Utsav? – Rangoli is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
- How is the festival celebrated in different regions of India? – While the core celebrations remain similar, there can be regional variations in customs and traditions.
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