Sep 2024 Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration, pooja and bhog
Ganesh Chaturthi, otherwise called Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, is a Hindu celebration that commends the introduction of Ruler Ganesha, the dearest elephant-headed god. Master Ganesh is viewed as the lord of insight, thriving, and favourable luck. Ganesh Chaturthi is quite possibly the most generally celebrated celebration in India, particularly in Maharashtra, and different states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. Master Ganesh, known as the remover, everything being equal, is venerated first, among every single Hindu god and goddesses. |
| God Ganesha |
When will Shubh Muhurat and Tithi of Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024?
The 10-day Ganapati festival starts on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, typically occurring between August and September in the Gregorian calendar.As per drik panchang date and muhurat (USA, South Boston) :
Ganesha Chaturthi on Friday, September 6, 2024Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat - 11:25 AM to 01:59 PM
Duration - 02 Hours 35 Mins
Ganesha Visarjan on Monday, September 16, 2024
Time to avoid Moon sighting - 09:37 AM to 08:32 PM
Duration - 10 Hours 55 Mins
Rituals behind Ganesh Chaturthi
Lord Ganesha, as per belief, is also known as Vighnaharta or the one who removes all obstacles. He holds great significance in Hinduism where almost all rituals begin with his worship. Celebrations for this festival begin months in advance with the preparation of idols of Lord Ganesha.
Ganesh Chaturthi has four main rituals -- Pranapratishtha, Shodashopachara, Uttarpuja, and Visarjan puja. People decorate their homes with flowers and rangoli designs and bring clay idols of Lord Ganesha, into their homes. Beautifully decorated Ganesh idols are also placed at puja pandals, homes, offices, and educational institutions on the day of Chaturthi. Meanwhile as per the tradition, it is believed that if the person sees the moon on ganesh chaturthi they'll be cursed. the accusation of theft, or as known in the legend the Mithya Dosh.
The Pranapratishtha ritual is performed by a priest by chanting a mantra. After that, 16 different rituals are performed - known as Shodashopachara puja. Modak, a popular sweet dumpling from Maharashtra, is said to be the favourite prasad of Lord Ganesh. Modak and other sweets and fruits are offered to Lord Ganesh during the puja.
How to do Ganesh Chaturthi Puja?
Ganesha puja starts by installing a clay idol of Lord Ganesha in your home. Various dishes are cooked for offering (bhog). The idol is given a bath with pure water and then decorated with flowers. Jyoti is lite and then the aarti begins. Various bhajans and mantras are chanted at this time. It is believed that chanting the mantras with complete devotion brings life to the idol. It is also believed that during this period, Ganesha visits the home of his devotees and brings prosperity and good fortune to them. For the same reason, the day is observed as a very auspicious day. Worshipping the Ganpati Yantra will bring you great success in life.Bhog : Modak
Bhog serves a dual purpose. It refers to the food that is served to all those who come to pay their respects to Lord Ganesh and it is also the food that is offered to Him during worship.Modak particular sweet is believed to be Lord Ganesh’s all-time favourite. Hence, on the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees offer Him a bhog of modak. These sweet offerings were traditionally made out of rice flour and jaggery. The modak today has several variations like steamed modak, dry fruit modak, chocolate modak, fried modak, and the like.
The story behind Ganesh Chaturthi
Goddess Parvati was the creator of Ganpati. She, in the absence of Lord Shiva, used her sandalwood paste to create Ganesha and put him to guard while she had gone for bathing. While she was gone, Lord Shiva got into a fight with Ganesha as he did not allow him to enter, as per his mother’s orders. Enraged, Lord Shiva cut off Ganesha's head. When Parvati saw this sight, she took the form of Goddess Kali and threatened to destroy the world. This worried everyone and they requested Lord Shiva to find a solution and calm the rage of Goddess Kali. Shiva then ordered all his followers to immediately go and find a child whose mother has her back towards her child in negligence and bring his head. The first child seen by the followers was that of an elephant and they, as ordered, cut his head and brought it to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva immediately placed the head on Ganesha's body and brought it to life again. The rage of Maa Kali was calmed and Goddess Parvati was overwhelmed, once again. All the Lord blessed Ganesha and the day is today celebrated for the same reason.
While this narrative showcases the resilience of Lord Ganesha, his transformation into a deity, and the significance of the elephant’s head, it also addresses the moon’s role in the story. According to legend, the moon, being a witness to these events, found humor in the peculiar visage of the newly revived Ganesha. It is said that the moon’s laughter and mocking gaze infuriated Ganesha, who in his divine ire, cast a curse upon the moon.This curse ordained that anyone who set eyes upon the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi would incur the wrath of Lord Ganesha and face slanderous accusations of theft, ignominy, and humiliation.
Which mantra should we chant on Ganesh Chaturthi?
1. Vakratunda Ganesh Mantra
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ ।निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥
Vakratunda Maha-Kaaya Surya-Kotti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvadaa ||
Benefits: Chanting this Ganesh mantra will help remove every obstacle between one and one’s well-being and helps to achieve wealth, wisdom, good luck, prosperity, and success in all endeavors.
2. Ganesh Gayatri Mantra
ॐ एकदन्ताय विद्धमहे, वक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि, तन्नो दन्ति प्रचोदयात्॥Tanno Danti Prachodayat॥
Benefit : This Ganesh Mantra encourages modesty, righteousness, and high-end wisdom in those who chant it.
3. Basic Ganpati Mantra
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः |Benefit: It wards off all the negativities from one’s life before beginning any work. Chanting of this mantra ensures success in all the new ventures that one wishes to undertake.
4. Om Vighnanashaya Namah
ॐ विघ्ननाशाय नमः।Om Vighnanashaya Namah।
Benefit : If one is facing problems with his social life, work, or interpersonal relationships, it can be made easier by chanting this mantra.
5. Om Lambodaraya Namah
ॐ लम्बोदराय नमः।Om Lambodaraya Namah।
Benefit : Chanting this mantra allows an individual to love and be one with the whole universe, just like Lord Ganpati.
Frequently ask question
Q: What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
A: Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated to honor Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. It is one of the most popular festivals in India.
Q: When is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
A: Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which typically falls in August or September.
Q: What is the significance of the elephant head of Lord Ganesha?
A: The elephant head symbolises wisdom, intelligence, and power. It is believed that Ganesha can overcome any obstacle with his wisdom and strength.
Q: Is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in other parts of the world besides India?
A: Yes, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated by Hindu communities around the world, including in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia.
Q: Why is Lord Ganesha depicted with one tusk broken?
A: According to legend, Ganesha's tusk was broken by the demon Mushika, who tried to stop him from writing the epic poem Mahabharata. Ganesha, however, continued to write using his remaining tusk, symbolising his determination and perseverance.
Q: What are some famous Ganesh temples in India?
A: Some of the most famous Ganesh temples in India include: Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai Ganesh Temple in Pillayarpatti, Tamil Nadu Shri Mangeshwar Temple in Goa Moreshwar Temple in Pune
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid during Ganesh Chaturthi?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid include: Neglecting the environment by improperly disposing of the Ganesha idols after immersion. Overspending on decorations and festivities. Engaging in harmful practices, such as drinking excessively or causing disturbances.
