Introduction
India is a country full of religious and cultural diversity, where every festival has its own significance. One of these great festivals is Ganesh Chaturthi. This festival is celebrated with reverence and devotion throughout India as the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi is especially celebrated with great pomp in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and many parts of North India.
Lord Ganesha is considered to be Vighnaharta (remover of all obstacles), the god of wisdom and knowledge. His blessings bring happiness, prosperity and success in life.
What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the Chaturthi date of the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month according to the Hindu calendar. This festival usually falls in the month of August or September. It is believed that Lord Ganesha was born on this day. Starting from this day, this festival lasts for 10 days and ends with Ganesh Visarjan on the day of Anant Chaturdashi.
Ganesh Chaturthi Story in English
The story of Ganesh ji’s birth is very interesting and inspiring. According to the legend –
One day, Mother Parvati made a beautiful child of clay from the ubtan of her body before taking a bath and breathed life into it. She made that child stand guard at the door. At the same time, Lord Shiva came there and wanted to enter, but the child (Ganesh ji) stopped him. Angered by this, Lord Shiva cut off his head with his trident.
Mother Parvati became extremely sad to see this and threatened to destroy the entire universe. Then all the gods together found a solution. Lord Vishnu and other gods cut off the head of an elephant child sleeping facing north and attached it to the torso of Ganesh ji. Lord Shiva revived him and named him Ganesh.
Lord Shiva also blessed that Ganesha would be worshipped first and would be known as Vighnaharta. Since then, every auspicious work is started with the worship of Ganesha.
How is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with different traditions all over India, but its grandeur is most seen in Maharashtra.
1. Idol installation (Ganesh Sthapana):
- On the day of Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, devotees install the idol of Lord Ganesha in their homes or pandals.
- The worship starts by placing the idol on a red or yellow cloth.
- Kalash Pujan and Ganpati Aawahan are done before the installation.
2. Worship method:
- Every morning and evening, Ganesha is worshipped, and Aarti and Bhog are offered.
- Modak (his favourite dish) is especially offered to Lord Ganesha.
- Devotees observe a fast for 10 days and sing devotional songs, hymns, and chants.
3. Cultural programs:
- Cultural and social programs are organised in pandals at various places.
- Devotional music, dance, drama and social service work are also done at this time.
4.Ganesh Visarjan:
- On the tenth day, which is called Anant Chaturdashi, the idol of Ganesha is immersed.
- Devotees immerse the idol in the river or sea, chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya, next year you come soon” with drums and dance and song.
Ganesh Chaturthi Decoration in English
Decoration of houses and pandals has special significance on Ganesh Chaturthi. Devotees decorate their homes and temples grandly.
- Flower decoration: Homes and temples are decorated with marigolds, lotus, roses and Ashoka leaves.
- Lighting Decoration: The whole atmosphere becomes festive with colourful lights and fringes.
- Pandal Decoration: Pandals are decorated according to the the, like historical sites, religious sites or themes based on social messages.
- Home Decoration: Ganpati ji is welcomed in the house with rangoli, lamps, and toran.
Importance of Ganesh Chaturthi in English
- Ganesh ji is considered the first worshipped deity.
- He is the destroyer of obstacles and the giver of success.
- The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi gives the message of unity and brotherhood in society.
- This festival is a symbol of devotion, faith and cultural coordination.
Ganesh Chaturthi and Environment
Nowadays, on Ganesh Chaturthi, big idols are made and immersed in rivers, which increases the problem of water pollution. Therefore, to protect the environment, we should use eco-friendly Ganesh idols.
- Clay idols should be used.
- Decoration should be done with natural colors and flowers.
- A bucket or tub should be used at home for immersion.
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi is not only a religious festival, but it is a symbol of devotion, faith, culture and social unity. We all call Lord Ganesha “Ganpati Bappa” and seek his blessings to remove all the obstacles in life.
Ganesh Chaturthi teaches us that if there is faith and belief, then a solution to every problem is possible. Therefore, every year we all should celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with enthusiasm and devotion.