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Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is a 10-day Hindu festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. He is known as the remover of obstacles as the name Ganesha literally translates to “Lord of the People” (gana meaning common people) and “Lord of the Ganas”. The festival is celebrated on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, generally occurring in August-September. In 2024, the festival will be celebrated on 7 September, giving the right opportunity to teach the young generation more about this festival. If you are a student living abroad or someone new to this festival, figuring out everything can be a tough nut to crack. But worry no more! In this blog, you will read more information about the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, its history, significance, and different ways to celebrate.
| Particulars | Details |
| Festival | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| Date 2024 | 7 September |
| Duration | 10 Day |
| Reason | To celebrate the birth of the Hindu Lord Ganesha |
When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024?
In 2024, there is some confusion around whether Ganesh Chaturthi is on September 6 or September 7. According to Drik Panchang, the festival will be observed on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Here are more details about the shubh muhrat of Ganesh Chaturthi.
| Date | Muhrat Name | Timings |
| September 6 | Chaturthi Tithi Begins | 3:01 PM |
| September 7 | Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat | 11:03 AM to 1:34 PM |
| September 7 | Chaturthi Tithi Ends | 5:37 PM |
| September 7 | Ganpati Bappa murti sthapana time | 11:03 AM to 1:34 PM |
| September 17 | Ganesh Visarjan | – |
Story Behind Ganesh Chaturthi
According to Hindu mythology, the story of Ganesh Chaturthi begins with the creation of Lord Ganesha by Goddess Parvati. In the absence of Lord Shiva, her husband, Goddess Parvati shaped a young boy using the same sandalwood paste that she used for bathing. She gave this boy his face, frame, and body, and named him Ganesha. Then, Goddess Parvati instructed Ganesha to guard the entrance of her above, letting no one pass through while she bathed.
Following his mother’s orders, Ganesha stood there with bravery and determination. When Lord Shiva returned home, he was surprised to see an unfamiliar boy guarding the entrance and blocking his way. Not knowing who Ganesha was, Lord Shiva tried to enter forcefully but was repeatedly stopped by this young guard. All his efforts were futile. Despite that, Ganesha continued guarding the door and following his mother’s orders. Angered by what he perceived as Ganesha’s disobedience, Lord Shiva ultimately severed Ganesha’s head.
When Parvati learned what had happened to her son, she was devastated and angered. She threatened to destroy the entire world if her son was not brought back to life. Realising his mistake, Lord Shiva vowed to Goddess Parvati to restore Ganesha’s life. He ordered his followers, the ganas, to bring back the head of the first child in negligence that they encountered on the earth.
Lord Shiva’s ganas encountered a baby elephant sleeping behind the back of his mother. They took his head and brought it back to Lord Shiva. At last, Lord Shiva used his powers to attach this new head to Ganesha’s body and bring him back to life.
Also Read: 13 Interesting Facts on Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi Significance
Like other Hindu festivals such as Diwali and Holi, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi holds great significance for the people of India. It is not just finding an occasion to celebrate. Instead, Vinayaka Chaturthi is extremely important in Hindu culture.
- This festival celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
- Hinduism believes that different gods take turns to ensure the well-being of the earth during various times of the year. After Krishna Janmashtami which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, people in India observe Ganesh Chaturthi in honour of Lord Ganesha’s birth. This idea reinforces the idea that the earth is constantly under the divine protection.
- Ganesh Chaturthi symbolises the end of obstacles and the beginning of a new and prosperous turn of events.
- This Hindu festival brings people closer as they chant and pray and seek blessings for the health and prosperity of their families.
Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes
What are some Ganesh Chaturthi Rituals and Traditions?
India celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with great enthusiasm. Different states follow different cultures and traditions to celebrate this festival. Although it is a 10-day festival, you can celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi for 1 and a half, 3, 5, 7, or 11 days. Here are some common rituals and traditions observed on this important day.
- The festival begins with people welcoming idols of Lord Ganesh into their homes.
- The idol is placed on a raised platform to show respect to the deity.
- Next, people use water to wash the idol’s feet followed by a holy bath known as panchamrita snaman. It involves using a mixture of curd, ghee, and sugar.
- After this, people make other offerings including sindoor, chandan, durva, flowers, fruits, and sweets to complete the pooja.
- Lastly, all members of the family join together to perform Ganesh aarti.
- The festival culminates on Anant Chaturdashi with Ganesh Visarjan. On this day, people take their idols in grand processions to immerse in water bodies. It is believed that the visarjan helps Lord Ganesha return to Mount Kailash to join his parents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Why Ganpati Visarjan is Done in Water?
Ganesh Visarjan is the last and one of the most significant rituals of this festival. On this day, devotees carry out grand processions, carrying Lord Ganesha’s idols to a nearby river, lake, or sea for immersion. For those who do not have access to large water bodies, the idols are immersed in a water barrel at home.
In simple words, Ganesh Visarjan concludes the 10-day-long celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. It symbolises the belief that all beings eventually merge with the elements of nature. Similarly, it also resembles the cycle of life for both humans and Lord Vinayak. According to legends, he was born from clay and thus, returns to earth in the same element.
Also Read: Top 10 Quotes on Ganesh Chaturthi
How to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
The 10-day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi brings people together as they seek blessings from the deity. It is the right occasion to teach the young generation about Indian culture, its important festivals, and their significance. Here are some creative ways to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with your loved ones:
- You can make eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesh to place in your temples and homes.
- Ask your children and their friends to decorate the entire house with fresh flowers, lights, and rangoli.
- You can also divide teams and cook different types of modaks, Lord Ganesha’s favourite food.
- Another way to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi is by chatting mantras and praying together as a family.
Related Blogs
| Ganesh Chaturthi Speech | Scientific Facts in Hinduism |
| Interesting Facts About Ganesha | Ganesh Visarjan |
| Interesting Facts About Lord Shiva | Interesting Facts About Krishna? |
FAQs
In 2024, the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi will be celebrated on September 7, Saturday.
The Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated to celebrate the birth of the elephant-headed deity Ganesha. He is prayed as the god of prosperity, wisdom, and the remover of all obstacles.
Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated for 10 days. In 2024, it will begin on September 7 and last till 17 September.
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