Ganesh Chaturthi: Welcoming the Lord of Wisdom and Prosperity into Our Homes
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, celebrates the birthday of the Hindu deity Ganesh. Lord Ganesh, son of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati, is the Vighnaharta(remover of obstacles), Budhhi Pradaayaka (harbinger of wisdom, prosperity), and good fortune. Invoking Ganesh before embarking on any new venture is believed to ensure success, wealth, and peace. Ganesh Chaturthi is considered auspicious for new beginnings.
History
Ganesh Chaturthi has been publicly celebrated in Pune since the era of Shivaji. The Peshwa in the 18th century celebrated the festival in the month of Bhadrapad. Lokmanya Tilak revived the celebration of the festival after the British Raj.
How Ganesh Chaturthi date decided?
Ganesh Chaturthi falls in the month of Bhadrapad. It falls on the chaturthi tithi (4th day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon). The festival begins when the chaturthi tithi starts and ends. The priest performs the pranpratishtha to invite Lord Ganesh as a guest.
Shodashopachara Puja
It is a traditional way of worshipping Lord Ganesh and many Hindu deities. Shodasha means sixteen, and Upchara means ritualistic offerings or servings. The sixteen rituals of this Puja are:
- Avahana – inviting Lord Ganesh into the idol or image.
- Asana – offering a sacred seat to the deity to sit.
- Padya – washing the Lord’s feet with holy water.
- Arghya – offering water to wash hands.
- Achmana – offering water for sipping or purification.
- Snana – ritual bath with milk, water, honey, ghee, etc.
- Vastra – offering clothes or draping clothes around the idol.
- Yajnopavita – offering the sacred thread.
- Gandha – applying sandalwood paste or fragrance.
- Pushpa – offering sacred flowers.
- Dhoopa – offering incense sticks for fragrance.
- Deepa – offering lamp (light) symbolizing knowledge and energy.
- Naivedya – offering food and sweets to Lord Ganesh.
- Tambula – offering betel leaves, nuts, and spices.
- Aarti – waving a camphor lamp while singing hymns.
- Pradakshina and Namaskara – Circumambulation and bowing down to the deity.
Celebrations Across India
People celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in homes and public gatherings in the central and western states, southern, eastern, and northeastern states. Bihar’s Mithila region celebrates the Chaurchan festival, which is related to Chandra and Ganesh.
| States | Local Name | Rituals | Special Food | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Ganesh Chaturthi | Large public pandals are created, with daily aarti, bhajans and visarjan processions carried out. | Modak and Puran Poli | Large public pandals are created, with daily aarti, bhajans, and visarjan processions carried out. |
| Goa & Konkan | Chavath | Home idols of clay, puja with coconut leaves, eco-friendly visarjan | Modak, Patoli (sweet rice in turmeric leaves) | Eco-friendly traditions, idols made of natural clay |
| Karnataka | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Shodashopachara Puja, home and temple worship, cultural programs | Kayi Holige, Kadle Unde | Mix of household devotion and public celebrations |
| Andhra Pradesh & Telangana | Vinayaka Chavithi | Idol installation in colonies, Vinayaka Vrata Katha recital, visarjan | Undrallu (steamed rice balls) | Huge community idols, traditional vratam story recitation |
| Tamil Nadu | Pillayar Chaturthi | Idols made of clay/turmeric, simple home puja, offering of flowers and sweets | Kozhukattai (sweet modak) | More personal, devotional, family-centered celebration |
| Kerala | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Temple-based pujas, processions, rituals in Ganapati temples | Ellunda (sesame balls), Aval (flattened rice) | Temple-focused celebrations rather than household-based |
| Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, MP | Ganesh Chaturthi | Puja in homes and temples, aarti, small visarjan processions | Laddus, Modaks | Celebrated modestly compared to Maharashtra, focus on temple rituals |
| West Bengal & Odisha | Ganesh Puja | Puja in schools, colleges, and temples as deity of wisdom before Durga Puja | Modak, Khichdi, Fruits | Strong focus on students and education-related rituals |
Foods for Ganesh Chaturthi
Modak
- Lord Ganesh’s favourite food.
- Dumpling made with rice flour or wheat flour, stuffed with coconut, jaggery, and dry fruits.
- They can be steamed or fried.
Puran Poli
- Sweet flatbread made of wheat flour stuffed with chana dal (split chickpeas), jaggery, and cardamom.
- Popular in Maharashtra & Karnataka
Laddu
- Besan Laddu
- Motichur Laddu
- Coconut Laddu
Kozhukattai
- They are similar to modak.
- Popular in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- Steamed dumplings filled with jaggery and coconut.
Undrallu
- Steamed rice flour balls mixed with chana dal and spices.
- Popular in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Patoli
- Sweet dish made with rice batter, coconut, and jaggery.
Kheer, Payasam, Fruits, and dry fruits are also common offerings that are made.
Eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi
In the last few decades, the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi with Plaster of Paris, chemical paints, and decorations has raised environmental concerns. The Madras High Court in 2004 ruled that the celebration caused high pollution in seawater. Thus, many communities and people are following eco-friendly ways to celebrate the festival.
Some of the ways to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly way:
Clay Idols
- Idols made of natural clay that dissolve into the water easily.
- Clay symbolizes purity.
Plant-Based Idols
- Idols made of mixed seeds and clay.
- One can perform the visarjan in a pot, after which the seeds will germinate into a plant.
Natural Colors
- Instead of chemical paints, artisans use organic colors made from turmeric, multani mitti, chandan (sandalwood), and natural dyes.
Home/Artificial Immersion Tanks
- Communities in the cities setup immersion tanks and artificial ponds where devotees can perform visarjan.
- Devotees perform visarjan in small tub of water at home.
Decoration
- Using cloth, flowers, banana leaves, and paper decorations instead of thermocol and plastic
With devotion in our hearts, sweets in our kitchen, and joys in our homes we welcome Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles and giver of wisdom. As we chant ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya!’ and bid him a farewell, it reminds that he is always with us. May this Ganesh Chaturthi bring prosperity, happiness, and peace into every home.
Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya !!
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