Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Ganesh Chaturthi is widely celebrated and is marked by elaborate rituals and grand festivities. It is of great cultural and religious significance to celebrate Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god of knowledge and prosperity, during this annual celebration. There are various reasons why the ten-day festival, also known as "Vinayaka Chaturthi," lasts so long.
India annually celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi, an auspicious Hindu festival, with grandeur. The day commemorating the birth of Lord Ganesha is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav. Devotees observe it for 10 days. It occurs every year on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi tithi.
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated for 10 days? Know its significance:
Day 1: The ten-day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is rich in mythology, culture, and spirituality. The ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival represents Lord Ganesha's trip from his heavenly dwelling to Earth, where people welcome him with open arms. Ganesha idols are officially placed in homes and public spaces on the first day. Extensive rituals, such as the Pranapratishtha, are performed by devotees to invoke the deity's presence within the idol.
Day 2-9: There are cultural performances, prayers, and offerings every day from Day 2 to Day 9. As a sign of their devotion, devotees present modak, a sweet treat, as well as flowers, coconuts, and other objects. To commemorate the deity's visit, cultural events are planned in the evenings that include music and dance.
Day 10: The festival's final day, "Anant Chaturdashi," falls on the tenth day. The idols are transported in large processions on this day to nearby bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, or the sea, for immersion, or "Visarjan." As they say goodbye to Lord Ganesha, his followers express their gratitude for his presence and ask for his blessings for the upcoming year.
