Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across India, especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. It marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, success and new beginnings. The festival is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav and lasts for 10 days. It usually falls in the month of Bhadrapada, which corresponds to August or September in the Gregorian calendar.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2023?

In 2023, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 19. The festival will begin at 12:39 pm on Monday, September 18 and end at 8:43 pm on Tuesday, September 19, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The most auspicious time for performing the Ganesh puja is between 11:01 am and 1:28 pm on September 19.

What is the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ganesh Chaturthi commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati from the dirt of her body while she was bathing. She asked him to guard the door while she was inside. When Lord Shiva came back, he was stopped by Ganesha, who did not recognize him as his father. Enraged, Lord Shiva cut off Ganesha’s head with his trident. Seeing this, Goddess Parvati was heartbroken and demanded that her son be brought back to life. Lord Shiva then replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant, which was the first animal he saw. He also granted him the status of being the first god to be worshipped before any other deity or occasion.

Lord Ganesha is revered as the god of wisdom, intelligence, prosperity and good fortune. He is also known as the remover of obstacles and the bestower of success. He has many names and attributes, such as Ekdanta (one-tusked), Lambodara (pot-bellied), Vakratunda (curved-trunked), Siddhi Vinayaka (bestower of achievements), Gajanana (elephant-faced) and many more. He is depicted with four arms, holding various objects such as a lotus, a modak (sweet dumpling), an axe and a rosary. He rides on a mouse, which symbolizes his ability to overcome the smallest of hurdles.

How is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across India, especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The festival involves installing clay idols of Lord Ganesha in homes or public places. The idols are decorated with flowers, garlands, lights and other accessories. The idols are worshipped daily with offerings of modaks, coconut, jaggery, fruits and flowers. The devotees also chant mantras, sing bhajans (devotional songs) and perform aarti (ritual waving of lamps) in honor of Lord Ganesha.

Celebration and Traditions:

1. Idol Making:

As the festival approaches, artists and craftsmen across India begin crafting idols of Lord Ganesha, ranging from small household sizes to gigantic statues for community celebrations. Traditionally, these idols were made of clay, but in recent years, there has been a conscious shift towards eco-friendly materials to prevent pollution during immersion.

Example: In Maharashtra, one of the states that grandly celebrates this festival, artists from the Pen region are renowned for their exquisite and detailed handiwork in creating Ganesha idols.

2. Sweet Delicacies:

Sweets are an integral part of the festival. The most popular sweet during Ganesh Chaturthi is ‘modak’ – a steamed or fried dumpling filled with coconut, jaggery, and other delightful fillings. This is believed to be Ganesha’s favorite food.

Example: In South India, a similar sweet called “Kozhukattai” is prepared, highlighting the diverse culinary traditions that come alive during the festival.

3. Processions and Immersion:

On the last day of the festival, typically the 10th or 11th day, large processions carry the idols of Ganesha through the streets, accompanied by singing, dancing, and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”. The idols are then immersed in water bodies, symbolizing Lord Ganesha’s return to his celestial home.

Example: Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, witnesses some of the most grandiose processions. The Lalbaugcha Raja, one of the most famous idols in the city, attracts millions during its immersion procession.

Conclusion

Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a religious event but a social and cultural extravaganza. The celebrations in 2023 are set to blend tradition with contemporary practices, ensuring that the spirit of the festival remains intact while adapting to the times. As devotees gear up for the special day on 10th September, the essence of joy, unity, and devotion will permeate every corner of India and wherever this auspicious festival is celebrated worldwide.

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