Ganesha Chaturthi is one of the most vibrant festivals in India. It honors Lord Ganesha, who is considered the remover of obstacles. Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in India are filled with devotion, joy and colors. Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, it starts on the 4th day of the first fortnight of Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar every year. This usually falls in the month of August or September.
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
This festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha also known as Ganapati Bappa, Vinayaka and Pillaiyar. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In Hindu mythology, Ganesha is the god of wisdom and new beginnings. People worship him at the start of all good events. He is known for his elephant head and potbelly.
How is Ganesha Chaturthi in India celebrated?
Preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi begin weeks in advance. During this time, markets fill up with clay idols of Ganesha. Families clean and decorate their homes. People beautify their entrances with flowers, rangoli and lights in order to welcome the deity.
Bringing ‘Bappa’ Home
On the day of the festival, families bring the Ganesha idol home. It is welcomed with chants, music, and joy. A special place is prepared to place the idol. A priest or elders of the household performs the ‘Pranapratishtha’. This is a ritual believed to invite the spirit of Ganesha into the idol. After this, daily prayers and offerings to the deity begin until the day of immersion.
Ganesha Churturthi sweets such as modaks are commonly offered. Modak is believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favorite food. The delicacy is made of rice flour, coconut, and jaggery. Some families believe in preparing 21 modaks as a special offering. Fruits, flowers, and incense sticks are also part of the puja.
How long is Ganesh idol kept at home?
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in India last for different durations in different homes. Some families or communities keep the idol for 1.5 days. Others celebrate for 3, 5, 7, or even 10 days. The 10th day is the most important and is marked with the immersion of the idol. It is known as Anant Chaturdashi.
Ending the Festivities with Ganesha Visarjan
On the last day, the idol of Ganesh is taken for immersion. It is believed to symbolize Lord Ganesha’s return to his heavenly home. Families and communities take the idol away from the home with a heavy heart, expecting ‘bappa’ to return next year. People sing, dance, and shout “Ganpati bappa morya!”, until they reach the site of immersion. Then the idol is immersed in water with a proper ceremony. People then return home believing Lord Ganesha will return again to bless them.
Do you bring a Ganesh idol home? What do you call Lord Ganesha? Comment below and share your favorite memory of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in India.
City Village News blog believes in sharing the significance of each festival in India with the young generation so they grow up respecting the diverse Indian culture. Follow City Village News and celebrate the joy of being Indian. Get ready to chant “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” (Come soon next year, dear Ganesha).
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