Ganesh Chaturthi : The Birth Anniversary of the Mighty “Vighnaharta”

"Chaturthi Tithi" or 4th day of every Shukla Paksha belongs to Lord Ganesha
It is a 10-day festival and begins with the installation of Ganesha clay idols at homes
Vedic hymns are chanted and the worship concludes with the singing of an aarti

June 11, 2017: Lord Ganesha, popularly known as Ganpati Bappa is a prominent god in Hindu mythology, Every ritual in Hinduism begins with his pooja. He is worded as "Vighnaharta", the one who will end all the obstacles in the ceremony. He is the god of good beginnings and prosperity.

According to Hindu mythology, the "Chaturthi Tithi" or 4th day of every Shukla Paksha belongs to Lord Ganesha and it is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. However, the Vinayaka Chaturthi of Bhadrapada month is known as Ganesh Chaturthi. This day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha and it is celebrated with great pomp and show all across the nation, especially in the state of Maharashtra.

Here is how the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi takes place:

• It is a 10-day festival and begins with the installation of Ganesha clay idols privately in homes, or publicly on elaborate pandals with elaborate decorations and lighting.

• Devotees worship the idol in the morning and evening with offerings of flowers, durva (strands of young grass), Karanji and modaks (jaggery and coconut flakes wrapped in rice flour dumplings)

• Vedic hymns are chanted and the worship concludes with the singing of an aarti in honor of Ganesha, other gods, and saints

• The idol is kept in the homes for a minimum period of one and a half days. This period can vary from 5, 7 or 11 days

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• Absolute piousness is observed in the homes. After 1 and ½ days or so, the idol is immersed in a water body. The event is huge and the crowd chants Ganpati mantras all along the way

• In Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi is known as Chavath parab. On the 3rd day of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month, Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva are worshiped

• Instruments such as ghumots, Crash cymbals and pakhavaj (an Indian barrel-shaped, two-headed drum) are played during the ceremonies

• Navyachi Pancham, the harvest festival is celebrated the next day. Freshly harvested paddy is brought home from the fields (or temples) and a puja is conducted

• The festival features cultural activities such as singing, theater and orchestral performances and community activities such as free medical checkups, blood-donation sites and donations to the poor

• Ganesh Chaturthi is an important economic activity as well in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. Many artists, industries, and businesses earn a significant amount of their living from the festival, which is a stage for budding artists. Members of other religions also participate in the celebration

Ganesh Chaturthi is a huge event in India and it transcends over religious or caste-based differences. People from all races of life come together in this festival.