Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. It is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav and is observed in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September) according to the Hindu calendar. The festival lasts for 10 days, ending with the immersion of the idols of Lord Ganesha in water bodies on Anant Chaturdashi.
Rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi
The rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi involve the following steps:
- Preparation: Devotees prepare for the festival by cleaning their homes and buying or making clay idols of Lord Ganesha. They also decorate their homes and pandals (temporary structures) with flowers, lights, and other items. Some people also make eco-friendly idols using natural materials like paper, wood, or coconut.
- Installation: On the first day of the festival, devotees install the idols of Lord Ganesha in their homes or pandals and perform a ritual called Pranapratishtha, which means invoking life into the idol. They also offer prayers and worship to Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings.
- Celebration: For the next nine days, devotees perform daily rituals such as offering food, flowers, incense, and modak (a sweet dumpling) to Lord Ganesha. They also sing hymns, chant mantras, and recite stories of Lord Ganesha. They also participate in cultural activities such as music, dance, and drama.
- Immersion: On the last day of the festival, devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha and carry the idols in a procession to a nearby water body such as a river, lake, or sea. They immerse the idols in the water while chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya” (Hail Lord Ganesha). They believe that Lord Ganesha returns to his abode in Mount Kailash after taking away their troubles and granting their wishes.
Essentials of Ganesh Chaturthi
The essentials of Ganesh Chaturthi are the items that are required for the worship and celebration of Lord Ganesha. Some of them are:
- Idol: The idol of Lord Ganesha is the most important item for Ganesh Chaturthi. It can be made of clay, paper, wood, or other eco-friendly materials. It can be of any size and shape, but it should have four arms and an elephant head. The idol should also have a mouse as its vehicle and a snake as its belt.
- Platform: The platform is where the idol of Lord Ganesha is placed for worship. It can be made of wood, metal, or cloth. It should be raised above the ground level and covered with a cloth. It should also have a backdrop with an image or symbol of Lord Ganesha.
- Decorations: The decorations are used to adorn the idol and the platform of Lord Ganesha. They include flowers, garlands, lights, rangoli (colored patterns), toran (door hanging), and umbrellas. They should be colorful and festive.
- Offerings: The offerings are the items that are presented to Lord Ganesha as a sign of devotion and gratitude. They include modak (a sweet dumpling), ladoo (a round sweet), coconut, fruits, flowers, incense, camphor, betel leaves, turmeric, kumkum (red powder), sandalwood paste, and durva (a type of grass).
- Aarti: The aarti is a ritual that involves waving a lamp or a plate with lamps in front of Lord Ganesha while singing his praises. It is done to express reverence and love for him. It is usually performed twice a day: in the morning and in the evening.
Timings of Ganesh Chaturthi
The timings of Ganesh Chaturthi are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and vary from year to year. The festival begins on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Bhadrapada and ends on the fourteenth day (Anant Chaturdashi) of the same phase. The timings for 2023 are as follows:
- Ganesh Chaturthi Date: Monday, September 18, 2023
- Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 12:39 PM on September 18, 2023
- Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 01:43 PM on September 19, 2023
- Madhyahna Puja Time: 11:25 AM to 01:55 PM on September 19, 2023
- Anant Chaturdashi Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023
- Anant Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 05:06 AM on September 28, 2023
- Anant Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 07:35 AM on September 29, 2023
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Samagri
For the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, specific ritualistic items or ‘Puja Samagri’ are required to perform the puja. Here is a comprehensive list of Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Puja Samagri:
- Ganesha Idol: A clay or eco-friendly idol of Lord Ganesha.
- Pooja Thali: A plate used to assemble all the essential items.
- Kumkum (Vermilion) & Roli: Used for applying the tilak.
- Akshat (Rice Grains): Unbroken rice grains, often mixed with turmeric.
- Mouli (Red Sacred Thread): This thread is tied around the idol or around the wrist of the devotees.
- Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) and Dhoop: For fumigation and creating a devotional ambiance.
- Deepak (Oil Lamps): Preferably clay lamps filled with ghee or oil.
- Panchamrit: A mix of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar, used for bathing the idol.
- Fruits: Especially bananas, mangoes, and coconut. A coconut with its husk is also essential.
- Betel Leaves (Paan): Typically 21 betel leaves are required for the puja.
- Durva Grass: This is a special kind of grass that Lord Ganesha is fond of. It’s one of the main offerings.
- Modak: A sweet dumpling made of rice or wheat flour, filled with grated coconut, jaggery, and dry fruits. It’s Lord Ganesha’s favorite.
- Flowers: Especially red hibiscus and marigold. Garlands made of these flowers are also used.
- Tulsi (Basil) Leaves: Used for offering and also in the preparation of the sacred water.
- Sandalwood Paste: For applying on the idol after bathing.
- Perfumes or Attar: To offer to the deity.
- Coins: As an offering to the deity.
- Elaichi (Cardamom) & Cloves: Used as offerings and also to add in the Panchamrit.
- Camphor: For performing the aarti.
- Turmeric Powder: Used for various rituals and also for making the sacred water.
- Decorative Cloth and Items: A clean cloth (preferably red or yellow) to place the idol on and other decorative items for adorning the puja space.
- Wooden Platform or Chowki: To place the idol on.
- Copper or Brass Kalash (Pot): Filled with water, covered with mango leaves, and a coconut placed on top. It’s a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
- Bell: Used during aarti and various parts of the puja.
- Pooja Book: Containing the prayers, mantras, and aarti for the puja.
- Clean Water: For various rituals. Some also keep water from sacred rivers.
- Cushion or Seat: For the priest or the person performing the puja to sit on.
- Bowls: To keep different offerings and also the Panchamrit.
Ganesh Chaturthi Aarti
The aarti of Ganesh Chaturthi is a song that glorifies Lord Ganesha and his attributes. There are many versions of the aarti, but one of the most popular ones is called Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva. The lyrics of this aarti are as follows:
Ganesh Chaturthi Aarti
Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva,
Mata Jaki Parvati, Pita Maha Deva.
Ek Dant Dayavanta, Char Bhujadhari,
Mathe Sindoor Shoye, Muse Ki Sawari.
Paan Chadhe Phool Chadhe, Aur Chadhe Mewa,
Laduan Ko Bhog Lage, Sant Kare Sewa.
Andhe Ko Aankh Deta, Kodhin Ko Kaya,
Bhajhan Ko Purta Deta, Nirdhan Ko Maya.
Sur Shaam Sharan Aaye, Safal Ki Jiye Sewa,
Mata Jaki Parvati, Pita Maha Deva.
Deenan Ki Laaj Rakho, Shambhu Sutkari,
Kamana Ko Poorn Karo, Jaoon Balihari.
Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva,
Mata Jaki Parvati, Pita Maha Deva.
Ganesh Chaturthi Aarti in English
Hail to Ganesha, hail to Ganesha, hail to Ganesha, the god,
Whose mother is Parvati and father is Mahadeva,
He has one tusk and is merciful, with four arms,
He has vermilion on his forehead and rides on a mouse,
Betel leaves are offered, flowers are offered, and sweets are offered,
Devotees offer the feast of laddoos,
He gives sight to the blind, a body to the leper,
He gives a son to the barren, wealth to the poor,
He removes all obstacles and fulfills all desires,
He is the remover of sorrow and the giver of happiness,
He is the god of wisdom and the god of success,
Hail to Ganesha, hail to Ganesha, hail to Ganesha, the god,
I bow to you, O Lord Ganesha, I seek your blessings,
Please remove all obstacles from my path and grant me success,
I pray to you with folded hands, please fulfill all my desires,
Hail to Ganesha, hail to Ganesha, hail to Ganesha, the god.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Citywise Shubh Muhurat
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated over a 10-day period, starting on the fourth day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. The festival is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good luck.
In 2023, Ganesh Chaturthi will begin on September 19 and end on September 28.
Here are the shubh muhurats for Ganesh Chaturthi 2023, city-wise:
| City | Ganpati Sthapana | Abhishek | Aarti |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 11:01 AM – 1:28 PM | 12:01 PM – 4:28 PM | 5:01 PM – 6:28 PM |
| Delhi | 11:07 AM – 1:34 PM | 12:07 PM – 4:34 PM | 5:07 PM – 6:34 PM |
| Kolkata | 11:09 AM – 1:36 PM | 12:09 PM – 4:36 PM | 5:09 PM – 6:36 PM |
| Chennai | 11:11 AM – 1:38 PM | 12:11 AM – 4:38 PM | 5:11 PM – 6:38 PM |
| Hyderabad | 11:13 AM – 1:40 PM | 12:13 PM – 4:40 PM | 5:13 PM – 6:40 PM |
| Banglore | 11:15 AM – 1:42 PM | 12:15 PM – 4:42 PM | 5:15 PM – 6:42 PM |
| Pune | 11:17 AM – 1:44 PM | 12:17 PM – 4:44 PM | 5:17 PM – 6:44 PM |
| Jaipur | 11:19 AM – 1:46 PM | 12:19 PM – 4:46 PM | 5:19 PM – 6:46 PM |
| Lucknow | 11:21 AM – 1:48 PM | 12:21 PM – 4:48 PM | 5:21 PM – 6:48 PM |
| Patna | 11:23 AM – 1:50 PM | 12:23 PM – 4:50 PM | 5:23 PM – 6:50 PM |
| Kolhapur | 11:25 AM – 1:52 PM | 12:25 PM – 4:52 PM | 5:25 PM – 6:52 PM |
| Agra | 11:27 AM – 1:54 PM | 12:27 PM – 4:54 PM | 5:27 PM – 6:54 PM |
Guidelines for Ganesh Chaturthi
The guidelines for Ganesh Chaturthi are the rules and regulations that are followed by the devotees and the authorities to ensure a safe and smooth celebration of the festival. Some of them are:
- Follow Covid-19 Protocols: Due to the ongoing pandemic, it is advisable to follow the Covid-19 protocols such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance, avoiding large gatherings, and sanitizing hands frequently. It is also recommended to opt for online darshan (viewing) and aarti (ritual) of Lord Ganesha instead of visiting crowded places.
- Use Eco-Friendly Idols: To prevent water pollution and environmental damage, it is advisable to use eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesha that are made of natural materials like clay, paper, wood, or coconut. They should also be free of harmful chemicals like paints, plastics, or metals.
- Immerse Idols in Artificial Ponds: To avoid overcrowding and contamination of natural water bodies, it is advisable to immerse idols of Lord Ganesha in artificial ponds that are specially created for this purpose. They should also be disposed of properly after immersion.
- Respect Local Customs and Sentiments: To maintain harmony and peace among different communities and religions, it is advisable to respect the local customs and sentiments of the people who celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. They should also avoid any kind of violence or vandalism during the festival.
- Enjoy Responsibly and Ethically: To celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in a joyful and meaningful way, it is advisable to enjoy responsibly and ethically. They should also avoid any kind of wastage or extravagance during the festival. They should also share their happiness and blessings with others, especially the needy and the less fortunate.
Copyright @ India CSR
Also Read:
- Essay on Ganesh Chaturthi for Students
- Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Date, History, Significance, Celebrations and Important Facts
- Culture and Social Value of Ganesh Chaturthi
- When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2023
