Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the major Hindu festival dedicated to the birth of deity Lord Ganesha. This year Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on Friday 6th September – 3:01 PM – Saturday 7th September-5:37 PM.
All about Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha is also known as Viganharta, Vinayaka, Ganpati, Lambodar and have many other names. He is recognised by his unique demeanour, elephant head which represents wisdom and intellect. Lord Ganesha is worshiped and loved by all old, adult and children. He is known to remove obstacles and hurdles from life. He is a lord of new beginnings, hence it is very auspicious to worship him before starting any new project or venture.
According to Hindu mythology, Ganesha was created by the goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. She created him from turmeric paste, sandal and clay and placed him at her doorstep to guard her while she bathed. When Shiva returned home and was denied entry by Ganesha, he became enraged and, in the conflict that ensued, decapitated Ganesha. To appease Parvati, Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant.
Things loved by Ganesha
If you want to please Ganesha, you can offer him sweets like Modak, ladoo, puffed rice ladoo, flowers (Marigold, Hibiscus (China rose), Dhruva and banana. Ganesha is often shown riding a mouse, which symbolizes humility and the ability to overcome obstacles regardless of size. You can offer him clay mouse.
Ganesh Chaturthi is most significant festival dedicated to Ganesha, celebrated with great joy, particularly in Maharashtra and other parts of India. The festival involves the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals, offering prayers, performing rituals, and culminates in a grand procession followed by immersion (Visarjan) of the idols in water bodies.
Devotees chant various mantras such as “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” and offer prayers seeking his blessings for success and the removal of obstacles.
Ganesha’s popularity extends beyond India. He is worshiped by Hindus worldwide and has also gained recognition among non-Hindus for his symbolic attributes of wisdom and success. Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated in countries with significant Indian communities, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.