Ganesh Chaturthi (Annual)
Also called: Ganeshotsav, Vinayaka Chavithi, Bhadrapada Chaturthi
The premier annual festival celebrating the appearance of Lord Ganesha. The festival spans ten days from Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi to Anant Chaturdashi, celebrated with clay murti installations, public pandals, cultural arts, and immersion processions.
Key facts
- Paksha
- Shukla Paksha
- Lunar month
- Bhadrapada
- Deities
- Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva
The story
The Shiva Purana recounts that Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from turmeric paste to guard her doorway. When Shiva returned and was stopped, a battle ensued, leading to Ganesha receiving the head of an elephant (Gajanan) and being appointed supreme leader of the Ganas (Ganapati).
Practices
- Prana Pratishtha installation of eco-friendly clay Ganesha murtis
- Performing Shodashopachara (16-step) puja during Madhyahna
- Singing the famous aartis 'Sukh Karta Dukh Harta' and 'Jai Ganesh Deva'
- Immersing the idol in water on Anant Chaturdashi (Visarjan) with prayers for his return next year
Regional variations
- Massive community celebrations across Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, and Gujarat, pioneered by Lokmanya Tilak in 1893
Common questions
- What should one do if one accidentally looks at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?
- Tradition advises chanting the Syamantaka jewel mantra or listening to the Syamantaka katha from the Srimad Bhagavatam to counteract Mithya Dosha.
Types of Vinayaka Chaturthi
- Masik Vinayaka ChaturthiOccurs throughout all 12 lunar months
- Ganesh Chaturthi (Annual)Bhadrapada