Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birth of Lord Ganesha by Hindus all over the world. Hindu month of Bhadra marks the arrival of Lord Ganesha. It fall on September 07th, 2024 (Saturday) and ends on anant chaturdashi September 17th, 2024. The festival is celebrated with full enthusiasm in state of Maharashtra and lasts for 10 days. The celebration ends on the day of Ananta Chaturdashi. The festival is being celebrated with lots of colors, worshipping and daily Prayer, Puja, Mantras Recitation and Homam. The Puja takes places by chanting of Mantras by Pandit that invokes life and soul in the idol of Lord Ganesha by chanting mantras. Modaks or ladoos are considered to be the favorite sweet of Lord Ganesha. On 11th day, the idol is carried from the streets with lots of celebration and enthusiasm and is submerged into sea asking Lord Ganesha to visit them next year again.

The right way of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi at home is to meditate and memorize the stories related to lord Ganesha. Take bath and visit temple. Offer sweet flowers to Lord Ganesha. Have an image of Lord Ganesha in your house to feel his presence.

Mythology Behind Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

It is said that Goddess Parvati made Lord Ganesha out of clay and gave him life. Then he requested her to keep an eye on the gate and ensure that no one comes inside while she is taking a bath. When Lord Shiva tried to enter, Ganesha refused. Then the enraged Shiva removed the child's head. Goddess Parvati was devastated.

Lord Shiva then ordered his men to bring the head of the first creature that came before him, which he was about to replace on the body of Ganesha. Men, on the other hand, were only able to find the head of an elephant calf. This is how Lord Ganesha was reborn with the head of an elephant. Ganesha was given the name Ganapati and was made the leader of the Ganas, the disciples of Shiva. It is a symbol of good luck and wealth.

Traditions/Rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

Installation of Ganapati Idol: With Pranpratishtha Puja, the idol of Ganapati is installed at home or in a public place.
Not seeing the moon: People avoid seeing the moon on the first night of the festival.
Prayers: Washing of idols, chanting of shlokas, offering flowers and sweets, performing aarti with diyas, kumkum and a plate full of flowers are part of this festival.
Special Performances: Some public events organize performances such as dance, music and skits.
Making Modak: Ganpati's favorite sweet is called Modak. Hence these pakodas are distributed as prasad.
Visarjan: The idol is immersed in some water or immersion on the last day. It is accompanied by a procession of people chanting hymns and shlokas.

Benefit of Lord Ganesha Anushthan for 10 Days. 
● Worshipping Lord Ganesha brings good fortune to one’s personal and professional life.
● This puja helps one become wise and knowledgeable.
● The souls of the worshipers are purified by the grace of Lord Ganesh.
● Financial difficulties are resolved easily by performing Ganesh puja and one can gain great success in their business.
● To overcome the obstacles and welfare of the family.
● Hurdles in the path of mind and soul will be neglect.
● It increases family bondage.
● To achieve success in life.
● Quickness in action and work. 
● Performing this puja is beneficial for removing the malefic effects of all the planets.