Ganesh Chaturthi is a popular Hindu festival. It celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesh, who is worshipped as the god of wisdom and prosperity. In 2024, the festival will be observed on 7 September, Saturday. During this Indian festival, people install idols of Lord Ganesh in their homes and worship them through 16 ways, also known as Shhodashopachara. It is the perfect occasion to teach your children about the history and significance of Ganesh Chaturthi. To make things easier, here are some interesting facts on Ganesh Chaturthi.
Amazing Facts About Ganesh Chaturthi
1. Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi.
2. It is a ten-day festival observed in the Hindu month of Bhadra (August or September).
3. Some people may celebrate it for 1 and a half days, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, and 11 days, depending on their traditions and family customs.
4. The festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
5. It is a prominent festival in Maharashtra, also observed across India with utmost reverence.
6. People welcome clay idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and public places to worship collectively.
7. The worshipping of Lord Ganesha begins with the pranapratishta, a holy ritual of invoking life in idols. Next, there are 16 ways of praying to the idol. The whole celebration involves lots of mantra chanting and offerings made to Lord Ganesha such as fruits, flowers, and 21 modaks.
8. The tenth day of Ganesh Chaturthi is known as Anant Chaturdashi. On this day, the idols are immersed in oceans and rivers which signifies that Lord Ganesha is taking your troubles, obstacles, and negativity with himself. This is known as Ganpati Visarjan.
9. It is believed that the earliest Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations date back to the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
10. In 1893, Bal Gangadhar Tilak transformed Ganesh Chaturthi from a private celebration to the grand public festival witnessed today.
11. Lalbaugcha Raja, located in Mumbai, is known for establishing the most grand and majestic Ganpati Visarjan in India.
12. In the last few years, many people have replaced clay idols with eco-friendly substitutes and biodegradable materials to protect the environment.
13. This beautiful festival is celebrated outside India in countries like Thailand, China, Nepal, the UK, the USA, and Mauritius.
14. Some people consider looking at the moon during Ganesh Chaturthi unlucky. According to legend, the moon once made fun of lord Ganesha and his belly. Accordingly, lord Ganesh cursed that whoever looks at the moon on Bhadrapada Chaturthi will have to face false allegations or Mithya Dosh.
15. Ganesh Visarjan signifies the complete life cycle. It also symbolises the departure of everyone’s beloved Lord Ganesa to his heavenly abode along with your troubles and obstacles.
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FAQs
Ganesh Chaturthi is a special and important Hindu festival. It celebrates the birth of the elephant-headed deity, Lord Ganesha.
The 10-day-long celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi fosters a sense of community, togetherness, and unity among the members.
Some interesting facts about Ganesh Chaturthi include that it is a 10-day long celebration, it is observed in honour of Lord Ganesha, it typically falls in the Hindu month of Bhadra, and lastly, it is celebrated in countries like Thailand, the US, and China.
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