GANESH CHATURTHI FESTIVAL

Ganesh Chaturthi :- Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the eminent Hindu festival is celebrated on the glorious birth of Lord Ganesha the elephant-headed God who is known by 108 different names.Some of them being Avighna, Bupati, Purush, Vinayak,etc. The son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is considered the God of beginning and is honored at the commencement of rituals and new ventures.

History of Ganesh Chaturthi :- There are many stories behind the birth of Lord Ganesha, but the two are the most common and famous ones. According to the first story, all the Gods requested Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to construct Ganesha so that he can create obstacles for demons and help Gods to get rid of them, thus turning into a Vighnaharta. 

The other popular one is where Ganesha is formed by Goddess Parvati out of her body’s grime to guard her in the absence of Lord Shiva. She handed him the task of protecting her bathroom door while she took a bath. In the meantime, Shiva returned home and saw Ganesha, who did not know who Lord Shiva was, so he stopped him.

The specialty of Ganesha Chaturthi :- Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for a whole 11 days. It begins on the Chaturthi when people install the statue of Lord Ganesha in their homes and temples. This festival ends on Anant Chaturdashi with Ganesh Visarjan. The devotees of the Lord Ganesha offer their prayers to God. They sing devotional songs for him and recited various mantras in his praise. They perform aartis in favour of the lord and seek his blessings on them.Most importantly, they offer Lord Ganesha sweets. Ganesha Chaturthi especially calls for Modak. Devotees offer Lord Ganesha with Modak, which is the lord’s favorite dessert. Modaks are sweet dumplings which people make with a filling of coconut and jaggery. They either fry them or steam them. People at homes and sweet shops make this sweet delicacy. They are seen around Ganesha Chaturthi mostly and are a huge hit amongst children.

Celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi :- 

There are four rituals performed during the ten-day long festival known as Pranapratishhtha, Shhodashopachara, Uttarpuja, and Visarjan. Before the festival even begins, many sculptors and artisans carve out and decorate idols of Ganesha in various sizes and colours, which provide a spectacular sight and fill the environment with enthusiasm.

Shops are littered with decorative items and materials required during the festival. Sweet shops get crowded, and the flower market is bloomed all around with the people. On the first day, the idols are installed in beautifully decorated pandal at home, temples, and the localities. The priest is called upon to perform pooja and to invoke life in the deity.

Then the idol is adorned with flowers, garlands, lights, sweets. Everyday prayers are offered in the form of Aarti, and Bhajan followed by religious songs, music, dance, and lighting up fireworks. All of this creates a festive mood and brings happiness and joy among the people.

The last day is the day of immersion, where people bid adieu to Ganesha with deep respect and love. While carrying the idol to the sea and immersing, people chant prayers and shout, “Ganpati Bappa Moraya, Pudhachya Varshi Lavkar ya.” That means, Oh Lord Ganesha, please come early next year.

Finality :- Ganesh Chaturthi is a fun-filled festival in honour of Lord Ganesha. People all over India thoroughly enjoy it. All the devotees of Lord Ganesha come together irrespective of their differences of caste and colour. Ganesh Chaturthi spreads joy and unites people all over.