One of the most beautiful Hindu festivals that India celebrates is Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated in memory of Lord Ganesha-the remover of all obstacles, god of wisdom, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings. The festival brings people together and makes them into one unit belonging to devoted gatherings and celebrations. Let’s read this blog further to find out why we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, its importance, and how it has evolved through the decades.
The birth of Loard ganesh
The main purpose for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations is to pay respect to the birth of Lord Ganesha, who happens to be the son of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythologies, the person was produced by the latter from clay, and his elephant head is a symbol of intelligence and strength. He has the title of “Vighnaharta,” or remover of obstacles, and “Siddhi Vinayak,” that one who gives success.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated
Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. Typically, it falls on August and September. The festival is performed for 10 days. The beginning of the festival falls on the fourth day of the waxing moon period known as Shukla Chaturthi and, for ten days, it culminates on Anant Chaturdashi, when the idol is immersed into water, said Ganesh Visarjan.
The important of Ganesh chaturthi Celebration
Spiritual Significance: Ganesh Chaturthi is devoted to the festival for when devotees seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha before embarking on a new activity or any venture and that he shall guide them to remove the obstacles in the road of life. The devotees believe that praying to Ganesha gives them wisdom, prosperity, and success.
The time has come to feature Symbol of New Beginnings: Lord Ganesha is always worshiped at the starting of important events like business ventures, marriage ceremonies, and housewarmings. That is why Ganesh Chaturthi is regarded as a festival of new beginnings.
The Ganesh Chaturthi festival has become a massive congregation, which reflects and upholds cultural harmony and social integration in society. Public celebrations began on a large scale during the period of the Marathas and furthered by Lokmanya Tilak at the time of India’s movement for freedom. In this way, the festival brought people closer, having cast aside such barriers of caste and class.How is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
idol installation
Daily Puja and Offerings
Devotees perform daily prayers, recite Ganesha mantras, and offer sweets like modaks (a favorite of Ganesha) along with coconuts, flowers, and fruits.
Cultural Programs:
Throughout the 10 days, various cultural activities of many genres of music, dance, and plays are organized. So, it is a time filled with joviality, art, and community participation.
Ganesh Visarjan:
The final day of the festival is Ganesh Visarjan, when the idols are taken out in glorious processions to rivers, lakes, or even the sea for immersion. That act of immersion bears the meaning of Ganesha returning to Mount Kailash, his heavenly abode.
Awareness to Environment and Ganesh Chaturthi
Increased awareness towards the pollution caused by idols made from non-biodegradable material in recent past. Instead of the traditional idols, the devotees use clay, paper-mâché idols accompanied by natural colors to reduce the pollution involved during immersion.
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi has acquired the status of a cultural and unitary festival. At the same time, it remains a traditional religious festival. People rush to worship together on this occasion while commiserating over the frustrations of life and, hopefully, can overcome those frustrations. On this auspicious occasion, we must focus on nature preservation through eco-friendly practices and spread the message of wisdom, prosperity, and harmony.
