India is a land of many beliefs and cultures. However, for some of the festivals, huge crowds gather and join the celebrations. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of these festivals. This Hindu festival is usually celebrated in the month of August-September and is a 10-day long affair. What is the reason for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations? It is celebrated to honor Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, for celebrating his birthday. Lord Ganesha is said to be the God of Wisdom and Intelligence, and we celebrate these attributes during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.

There are two different versions related to the birth of Lord Ganesha. According to the first legend, Lord Ganesha was created off the dirt of the body of Goddess Parvati and the latter asked the former to guard the door while she took a bath. When Lord Shiva came, Lord Ganesha prohibited him from entering, both unaware of each other’s relationship. Lord Shiva got angry and severed Lord Ganesha’s head, which he could not survive. When Goddess Parvati discovered this, she swore for Ganesha would live again. She ordered the devas to go in the North direction and get the first head they found- of any dead person or animal. They could only manage the head of a dead elephant and Lord Shiva brought Lord Ganesha back to life by fixing this head.

The second version has it that Lord Ganesha was created by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati when the Devas requested to create obstacles in the path of the demons. This is the reason why Lord Ganesha is also known as Vighnkarta which loosely translates to the creator of obstacles. Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja Vidhi, however, does not depend on which tale you believe in.

During the 10 days of Ganeshotsava, leading up to Ganesh Visarjana, one may find Ganesh Chaturthi images all over the Internet. Ganesh Chaturthi celebration takes over the country during this time, and it is especially true of Maharashtra where the festival is celebrated with great fervor and zeal. Ganesh Chaturthi wishes are circulated across messaging apps and the streets echo with Ganesh Chaturthi songs.

To begin the festival, idols of Lord Ganesha are kept on elevated platforms at home or outdoors. To start the proceedings, Pran Pratishtha is performed, which is a ritual that is said to invoke life in the Ganesha idols. This is followed by Shodashopachara in which tribute to the Lord is paid in 16 different ways. Then there is Uttar Puja, the ritual following which the idol can be shifted after infusion. People come together and chant Vedic hymns and read excerpts from holy texts like Ganesha Upanishads. Lord Ganesha is offered modaks, which is considered to be his favorite food, besides coconut and jaggery. The last step is Ganpati Visarjan, which is the immersion of the Ganpati or Ganesha idol in the river or a substantial and clean water body, whichever is available in the vicinity. The Muhurat or auspicious time of the Visarjana and other parts of the Pooja are pre-decided and it is suggested to perform the prayers and rituals during that time.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebration, however, is not just about offering prayers and performing rituals with the idol. The rituals are associated with several festivities. Firstly, the making of the idol is an activity that people take a keen interest in. The Pandal, or the arrangement of the idol, is also usually funded by donations from residents of the area, all of whom are invited for the festivities. People also celebrate the welcoming of the Murti or idol with a lot of enthusiasm. Needless to mention, large processions of people join for the Visarjana and pleasantries are exchanged between people irrespective of them knowing each other.

There are a lot of activities that one can enjoy during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The delicacies available and exchanged during the festival are mouth-watering. If one gets an opportunity to visit the home of someone celebrating the festival, one should not miss it as it is better than dining in the best of restaurants at this time. Apart from this, there are music, dance and drama performances during these 10 days, which culminate with great pomp and show on the 11th day with Ganesha Visarjana. All the songs and dance sequences revolve around praising Lord Ganesha and reiterating his mythological tales

Many people also observe a fast on the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi. While some may fast only on the first day of the festival which is Ganesh Chaturthi, some even fast throughout the 10 days until the Visarjan is done. Commonly, one is allowed to eat once during the day after dawn, and only after reading the Ganesha Chaturthi Katha. There are different versions of the fast, and while some observe a waterless fast which is called nirjala vrat, some allow themselves to consume fruits throughout the day, which is commonly called falahaar.

In India, Ganesh Chaturthi is most popular in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa. Apart from these, people in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Orissa also indulge in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Along with these Indian states, it is also popular in Nepal and the Hindu community in Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the United States, and in several countries of Europe.

There is no doubt that the popularity of the festival is massive and in the areas where it is celebrated with great zeal, it is perhaps one of the biggest festivals. In the city of Mumbai alone, more than 150000 statues of Lord Ganesha are immersed every year as a part of the Ganesh Visarjan ritual. The biggest celebrities get on the roads, dance to Ganesha Chaturthi songs, and take part in Ganesh Chaturthi Katha rituals. People invite their friends and family over for feasts and it is an occasion that spreads happiness all over.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2019 was observed on 2nd September and Ganesha Visarjana will be carried out on 12th September. This is a festival which is celebrated with the same vigor, irrespective of financial or social status- connecting all with a thread of happiness and positivity. 

OYO