Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival will fall on September 10 this year. Ganesh Chaturthi, also named Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India. The Love, excitement, joy and enthusiasm associated with this festival is unbeatable. The beloved elder son of Shiva and Parvati, Lord Ganesha is considered a symbol of prosperity, wisdom and good fortune.
On this day, devotees from all across the county bring idols of Lord Ganesha to their homes. Not only this, but devotees worship Lord Ganesha, cook delicious food, enjoy with family and friends and distribute Ganesha’s favourite sweet (modak) on this day.
History and Significance
There are many stories behind this day but two of them are:
First story: Mata Parvati created Lord Ganesha out of turmeric paste from her body. She gave him life so that he can guard when Lord Shiva is not around. She asked him to protect and guard her bathroom door when she was taking a bath. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva came home and saw Ganesha. Ganesha didn’t know who Shiva was and therefore he stopped him to enter. This made Lord Shiva angry and he chopped Ganesha's head out of anger. When Mata Parvati saw her son lying dead on the floor, she also lost her cool and got angry. After this, Lord Shiva realized his mistake and revived son Ganesha by attaching the elephant’s head to his body. This is the reason why Lord Ganesha is also called Gajanan.
Second story: Devas requested Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati to create a Ganesha, who could protect them from demons and this is why we call him Viganharta.
All that you need for Puja
You need Lord Ganesh’s Idol, water pot Panchamrit, red cloth, roli, Akshat, Kalava janeoo, cardamom, coconut, ‘Chandi ka vark’, ‘supari’, laung, panchmeva, ghee kapur, chaukee and gangajal for worshipping.
Puja Timings
The year tithi for the Chaturthi will begin at 12:18 am on September 10 and will end at 9:57 pm on the same day. The timing for Puja vidhi is from 11:03 am to 1:33 pm. It is believed that worshipping Ganesha during Ganesha Chaturthi removes all obstacles from one's life and brings happiness.
Anant Chaturdashi
On this day, devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesh by immersing his idols that people keep inside their homes for 10 days, in water bodies. They also ask him to return next year again.
