Shree Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Embrace the Spirit of Utsav
Shree Ganesh Chaturthi (also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi) is a major Hindu festival celebrating the deity Ganesha, the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. This vibrant festival is observed with a range of traditions and practices.
Shree Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as birth anniversary of Lord Ganeshji. On Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. It is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. Currently Ganesh Chaturthi day falls in month of August or September in English calendar.
The Ganeshotsav, the festivity of Ganesh Chaturthi, ends after 10 days on Anant Chaturdashi which is also known as Ganesh Visarjan day. On Anant Chaturdashi, devotees immerse idol of Lord Ganesh in water body after a gala street procession.
Origins and History:
Origins:
While the exact origin is unclear, Ganesh Chaturthi became widely celebrated in the 19th century, notably popularized by Lokmanya Tilak in Maharashtra in 1893. Tilak aimed to foster Hindu unity and counter British colonial restrictions on public gatherings.
Historical Context:
The festival was initially a private affair but was revived as a public event to unite people against colonial rule. Tilak’s initiative helped transform it into a major communal celebration.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, the auspicious timing (Shubh Muhurat) for the festival is as follows:
Ganesha Chaturthi on Saturday, September 7, 2024, Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat – 11:22 to 13:51, Duration – 02 Hours 29 Mins.
Celebrations:
Installation of Idols:
Devotees install clay idols of Ganesha at homes and public places (pandals). These idols are adorned with decorations and offered prayers and sweets like modak, believed to be Ganesha’s favorite.
Rituals:
The festival includes chanting Vedic hymns, performing rituals, and fasting. Offerings of sweets and prayers are distributed to the community.
Visarjan:
The festival concludes on the tenth day with a grand procession where the idol is immersed in a water body (visarjan). This symbolizes Ganesha’s return to his celestial abode and marks the end of the celebrations.
Ganesh Chaturthi is not only a time for religious observance but also a celebration of culture and community. It is an opportunity for people to come together, share their blessings, and renew their spirits with hope and positivity.
Join us at Badhaai Do in celebrating this auspicious occasion, and may Lord Ganesha’s blessings bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to all.
