Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Celebrating the Birth of Lord Ganesha with Grandeur Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated annually with great enthusiasm. This year, the festival begins on Saturday, September 7, 2024, and concludes with Ganesh Visarjan on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The auspicious time for the Ganesh Chaturthi puja is from 11:03 AM to 1:34 PM on the first day.
Historical Significance
The festival commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity. According to legend, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from sandalwood paste and assigned him to guard her while she bathed. When Lord Shiva, unaware of Ganesha’s identity, attempted to enter, Ganesha denied him entry, leading to Shiva’s wrath and the severing of Ganesha’s head. To appease Parvati, Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant, resulting in Ganesha’s iconic appearance.
Importance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi holds immense significance for Hindus, who believe that worshipping Ganesha can bring wisdom, success, and good fortune. The festival is particularly important for new beginnings, such as starting a new job, exam, or marriage, as devotees seek Ganesha’s blessings for success.
Celebrations Across India
The festival is celebrated nationwide, with grand festivities particularly in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka, especially in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad. Families bring home Ganesha idols for durations ranging from one and a half days to ten days, performing rituals, offering traditional foods like modaks, and observing fasts.The celebrations culminate in Ganesh Visarjan, where devotees immerse the idols in water with heartfelt chants of “Ganapati Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya,” expressing their hope for Ganesha’s return the following year. The immersion processions are marked by vibrant music, dance, and communal spirit, highlighting the festival’s joyous atmosphere.As the festival approaches, preparations and decorations fill the streets, embodying the rich cultural heritage and devotion associated with Ganesh Chaturthi.
