Lord Ganesha’s birth and the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in India and by Hindu communities around the world. Here is an overview of how Lord Ganesha’s birth and Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated:
Birth of Lord Ganesha: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. His birth story varies in different texts, but the common narrative is that Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from her divine powers to guard her privacy while she took a bath. When Lord Shiva tried to enter, Ganesha stopped him, leading to a conflict in which Ganesha’s head was severed by Lord Shiva. Later, Ganesha’s head was replaced with that of an elephant.
- Ganesh Chaturthi
Preparation for Ganesh Chaturthi: Prior to Ganesh Chaturthi, homes and public places are cleaned and decorated. Clay or eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesha are crafted by skilled artisans.
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations: The festival typically lasts for 10 days, with the main focus on the first day, known as Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi. On this day, the idol of Lord Ganesha is installed in homes, pandals (temporary structures), or public places amidst chanting of mantras and prayers. The installation is accompanied by various rituals, including the invocation of Lord Ganesha’s presence into the idol.
Daily Rituals: During the festival, devotees offer prayers, perform aarti (a ritual of waving lit lamps), and chant hymns dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Offerings of flowers, incense, fruits, sweets (especially modak, considered Ganesha’s favorite), and other delicacies are made to the deity. please click the link for Ganesh pujan step by step at home here is link Ganesh Chaturthi puja
Bhajans, Songs, and Cultural Performances: Devotional songs and bhajans dedicated to Lord Ganesha are sung throughout the festival. Cultural performances, including music, dance, and dramas, depicting stories from Lord Ganesha’s life are also organized. Click here to get the Ganesh bhajan 1) Ganesh Aarti – Marathi 2) Ganesh Aarti – Hindi 3) Ganesh Aarti – Hindi English
Processions and Visarjan: On the final day of the festival, known as Anant Chaturdashi, large processions take place, with devotees singing and dancing while carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha through the streets. The processions culminate at a water body (such as a river, lake, or ocean) for the ritual of visarjan (immersion), where the idol is bid farewell and submerged in water, symbolizing Lord Ganesha’s return to his divine abode.
Social and Community Gatherings: Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of community bonding and social cohesion. People come together to celebrate, share meals, exchange greetings, and participate in various cultural events and competitions organized during the festival.
The exact customs and traditions may vary across regions and communities, but the underlying theme of invoking Lord Ganesha’s presence, seeking his blessings, and celebrating his auspiciousness remains consistent. Ganesh Chaturthi is not only a religious festival but also a time of joy, unity, and devotion.
