Ganesh Chaturthi, this year, will begin on September 19.
Ganesh Chaturthi witnesses devotees bringing Lord Ganesha’s idol to their homes or in a public pandal. The idol is worshipped for 10 days.
The festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, have commenced with great enthusiasm. This revered Hindu festival is celebrated nationwide with grandeur and devotion. Spanning over ten days, this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi started on September 19 and will continue until September 28. It commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, revered as the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.
Ganesh Chaturthi witnesses devotees welcoming Lord Ganesha’s idol into their homes or public pandals. The idol is venerated for ten days, concluding with a ceremonial immersion in water, accompanied by the chant “Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Laukariya” (Hail Lord Ganpati, come quickly next year).
Astrologer and Bhagwat Acharya Pandit Ramesh Chandra Shastri offers insights into the choice of metal for Lord Ganesha’s idol to seek blessings and benefits during this festival. According to him, worshipping Lord Ganesha in an Emerald idol during Ganesh Chaturthi can be exceptionally fruitful and fulfil devotees’ wishes.
The astrologer emphasises that Lord Ganesha holds a prominent place in Vedic culture, being the first deity to receive worship in the Vedas. He reinforces this belief by reciting a mantra that signifies, “Ganesh, you are Brahma, you are Vishnu, and you are Rudra.”
To prepare for the Ganesh Chaturthi puja rituals, certain items are essential. These include Agarbatti and Dhoop (joss sticks and incense), an Aarti Thali, Supari (betel nuts), Paan leaves (betel), a clean cloth reserved for covering the Ganesh idol, and Sandli.
After bringing the Ganpati idol home, it is important to have specific offerings ready, including red flowers, druva grass blades, modak (sweet dumplings), coconut, and red chandan (sandalwood paste).
Devotees are encouraged to perform the rituals with dedication and to maintain a regular prayer routine. Worshipping Lord Ganesha with pure and sanctimonious intentions is believed to invoke blessings, bringing wisdom, health, and prosperity to their lives.
