Ganesh Chaturthi, in Hinduism, 10-day festival marking the birth of the elephant-headed deity Ganesha, the god of prosperity and wisdom. It begins on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the month of Bhadrapada (August–September), the sixth month of the Hindu calendar.
The idol is placed on a raised platform, prayers and mantras are recited, and rituals such as Padya Samarpan and panchamrita snaman are performed. Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm across India.
The ten-day celebration, also known as “Vinayaka Chaturthi,” has several reasons behind its duration. Ganesh Chaturthi’s ten-day celebration is steeped in mythology, culture, and spirituality. It symbolizes the arrival of a beloved deity into the lives of devotees, offering them wisdom, prosperity, and blessings.
HOW TO WORSHIP LORD GANESHA.
To partake in the celebration at home, one can start by acquiring a clay idol of Lord Ganesha, to be worshiped both in the morning and evening. It is customary to clean the entire house before bringing the idol home, and the entire family gathers to welcome the Lord. The idol is adorned with offerings of durva grass, flowers, modaks, and karanji.
Pooja Vidhi
Before installing the idol, it is essential to keep it on a raised platform and recite prayers and mantras. This ritual includes chanting mantras before and after the installation. Afterward, place five flowers at the feet of Lord Ganesha, followed by Padya Samarpan, where the Lord’s feet are washed with holy water. Next, perform a bath known as panchamrita snaman, which involves a mixture of curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. Subsequently, give the idol a bath with pure water and offer new clothes.
Additional offerings such as sindoor, naivedyam, chandan, durva, and garlands are made during the pooja vidhi. If needed, you can invite a pandit to your home to recite the mantras and perform the sixteen rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi’s pooja.