Ganesh Chaturthi

Festival Description

When is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' or 'Vinayaka Chavithi' is the day when all Hindus celebrate one of the most popular deities, Lord Ganesh. The festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi . This means the date will normally fall between 19 August and 20 September. As per Hindu mythology Lord Ganesh is considered as "Vigana Harta" (one who removes obstacles) and "Buddhi Pradaayaka" (one who grants intelligence). This festival is very important for students, they worship Lord Ganesh to illumine their minds.

History of Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh may also be known by the names Vigneshwara,Ganapati, Ekadanta, Vinayaka, Pillaiyar and Heramba. This festival remains one of the most widely celebrated in the Country, partly because Ganesh is one of the most popular deities for worship. His blessings are often invoked at religious ceremonies as he is the one who can remove all obstacles to success, particularly when people are starting a new business or enterprise. Ganesh is known as the giver of fortune and one who can help to avoid natural calamities. Ganesh is also the patron god of travelling. Ganesh is depicted with an elephant's head on a human body and in the Hindu tradition he is the son of Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati.

How is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
In certain parts of India, such as Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated for ten days and is a very public occasion. Elsewhere it may celebrated in homes, where hymns are sung and offerings made to Ganesh. Sweets are a common offering as Hindu legend has it that Ganesh liked them. On the day of the festival, clay idols of Ganesh are placed in homes or outdoor in decorated tents for people to view and pay their homage. Priests will then invokes life into the idols while mantras are chanted, in a ritual known as 'pranapratishhtha'. Ganesh Chathurthi is a 10-day festival. During this period people enjoy eating modaks and hymn aartis dedicated to Lord Ganesha. On the first day of this celebration, specially crafted idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in homes by devotees and on the last day of the celebration, the idols are immersed in a water body.