About the Festival of Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chavithi, is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is a 10-day-long festival, celebrated by many with utmost zeal and fervor. It is one of those festivals celebrated with great excitement by Indians, especially those residing in the state of Maharashtra. It is said that Lord Ganesha’s birthday is celebrated at this time. This is a larger-than-life festival that is the most awaited one as well. The celebration takes place in the Bhadra month of the Hindu calendar, which generally falls in mid-August to September. Thus, the dates of the festival differ from year to year based on the Hindu calendar. Sweets and gifts are exchanged, and people start preparing to send Ganesh Chaturthi gifts to their loved ones early. The festival is woven with legends and many stories that you can learn about in this article. If you are curious as well and want to know more about the festival, then here we are with every story that shapes Ganesh Chaturthi. 

The story of Lord Ganesha’s Birth 

The story of Lord Ganesha’s birth is an interesting one that shows anger, repentance, and the divine blessing. There are many stories about the birth of Ganesha. One of them is that once Goddess Parvati made Lord Ganesha with sandalwood paste and turmeric. She breathed life into him and told him to stand by the door while she took a bath, as Lord Shiva was away from Kailash. She was unaware of the fact that Lord Shiva would return. Ganesha did not know Shiva, so when Lord Shiva returned, he was not allowed to enter, which made him furious. In rage, Lord Shiva threw his trishul, cutting Ganesha's head. Goddess Parvati was enraged when she returned and saw Ganesha’s mutilated head. Deeply heartbroken, she threatened to upturn the universe. Lord Shiva promised to bring Ganesha back to life and asked his followers to bring the head of any living creature sleeping with its head facing north. The head of an elephant was found, and Ganesha’s life was restored. He has been called the God who removes any obstacles and is the symbol of wisdom. 

The Lord’s Favorite Sweet Modak

Regardless of the truth behind his birth, one thing that remains common is his eternal love for Modak. It has been one of his favorite foods since childhood. For those who don’t know what a modak looks like or what its basic ingredients are, it is a sweet dumpling. Modaks are made by people using a filling of coconut and jaggery. They are either fried or steamed. People at home and in sweet shops prepare this sweet delicacy. They are mostly in demand around Ganesha Chaturthi. There is not a single person who dislikes this sweet, so if it is on your list of Ganesh Chaturthi gifts, then it's a good option. It is also a major hit amongst the children.

The Preparation and the Festival 

Nothing can stop people from celebrating the occasion. The pandals are made in homes, temples, or localities. The celebration mainly witnesses four major rituals, namely:

1. Pranapratistha: Wherein the statue is decorated with flowers, garlands, and lights. Many people come together to pray and sing various folk songs. A priest is seen chanting mantras to invoke life in the deity.

2. Shodashopachara: Wherein prayers are offered to the Lord.

3. Uttarpuja: A ritual wherein it is believed that all the pavitraks (Vibrations of Shri Ganapati tattva) leave the Idol at once. Thus, whosoever performs the puja now becomes a direct recipient of the Lord’s blessings. This ritual is also considered important because everyone bids him farewell with deep respect.

4. Ganpati Visarjan (Immersion): The final stage is the immersion or Visarjan. After immersion, he is believed to return to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The visarjan has to take place either on the same day of the Uttarpuja or immediately on the day after it. The idol is to be immersed either in the river, sea, or ocean. During the immersion procession, people are heard chanting in Maharashtra, 'Ganapati Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya', in Marathi, which means 'Goodbye, Lord; please come back next year'. Distinct regions have distinct chants whose essence is the same that wishes Bappa to come back again next year. 

Though we celebrate the happy occasion every year, only some people know the appropriate idol to be used in the puja. It is also believed that if an idol is not made and placed properly, then not much spiritual benefit reaches the worshipper. The wellness of the worshipper depends upon the elements used in the making of the idol. It is believed that an idol made of:

1. Cow dung, Peepal, and Neem tree – Brings fortune and removes bad luck

2. Turmeric – Brings good luck

3. Crystal – Removes all Vastu Dosha

4. Silver - Brings fame

5. Brass – Promotes good health

6. Wood – Brings happiness

Most people use idols made of clay the traditional way, and many have brass idols that are considered traditional too. Brass is considered to be one of the auspicious metals, which is the reason why many family traditions state having brass idols at their home. In this case, the last and final ritual of visarjan, which is immersion, is skipped. The idol stays in the puja space ready for the puja ceremony next year. Every household and region has its distinct way of celebrating the Ganesh Puja; the traditions and the essence remain the same. 

The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi takes place on an immensely large scale. It is well before the actual occasion that happiness can be visibly seen on everyone’s faces. The shops and the entire market remain crowded, as everyone wants to go out and buy new clothes for themselves and their loved ones to send Ganesh Chaturthi gifts to their loved ones. Every morning is about bathing, putting on new clothes, and following the traditional rituals of chanting mantras and songs.

Towards the end of the festival, people carry out a full-fledged procession. The idol immersion denotes freedom from all kinds of evil and suffering. Ganesh Chaturthi is particularly famous for unifying people, irrespective of color, caste, or creed. Hence, this festival is the most awaited one, and now we know all about it.