Ganesh Chaturthi is observed in the lunar month of bhadrapada shukla paksha chathurthi madhyahana vyapini purvaviddha, which, according to the Gregorian calendar, falls in the month of August-September. The festive time goes on for 10 to 12 days, ending on the day of Anant Chaturdashi. During the festival, Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is worshipped as the god of success, education and destroyer of every evil and obstacles. He is also the deity of knowledge, wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. He was declared as superior to all gods by Lord Shiva and also it was said that before the worship of any god, Lord Ganesha will be worshipped otherwise the puja will remain incomplete. Also, before starting any work, one should worship Lord Ganesha to keep oneself and the work away from all the difficulties. Read to know more about when Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated and its importance.
Significance Of Ganesha Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is rejoiced as the birthday of Lord Ganesha who is popularly known as Ganpati (Lord of all Ganas), Vinayaka (Lord of All), Gajanana (Elephant-Faced Lord), Chaturbhuj (One who has four arms), Ekdanta (Single-Tusked Deity), Lambodara (The Huge Bellied Lord), etc. It is said that during this time Lord Ganesha comes down to observe his devotees and to shower his blessings on them. On this day, people observe fast, worship Lord Ganesha with grand preparation, offering laddus and modaks to the deity. On the very first day of the celebrations, people bring the clay images of Lord Ganesha to their homes with great happiness and offer sweets, flowers and light earthen lamps in front of the deity. All over the market and lanes, huge pandals are decorated and grand image of Lord Ganesha is brought for worshipping. The preparations for this auspicious occasion start from a month before. On the last day of the celebration, the idol of Lord Ganesha is taken out on a huge procession, gulal and sindur is sprinkled on everyone and the devotees dance on the traditional music of drums and sing songs of Lord Ganesha. After this, the idol is immersed into the river or sea. They also worship Ashtavinayaka during this time i.e. the 8 embodiments of Lord Ganesha and it is believed that Ashtavinayaka helps in removing evil powers from the world and brings happiness. Also, it is said that on Ganesha Chaturthi Lord Ganesha comes on earth to eradicate evil.
This festival is celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu calendar, commencing on the Shukla Chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon). It generally falls in between August and September. The merriment goes on continuously for 10 to 12 days with great pomp and joy. People with harmony and peace celebrate this festival all over the country but it's in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa that it is celebrated with greater fervour.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2015 Date: 7th September.
