Ganesh Chaturthi Festival 2019 In Nutshell

by sunil gavaskar clan member

Introduction about Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most awaited and highly celebrated festivals in Hinduism. This festival is observed to honour and celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Meaning of Ganesh and Chaturthi

The word Ganesh is a Sanskrit word which is formed by combining two words Gana means common people and Esh means God thus, Ganesh means Lord of the ganas or the chief of the common people. In the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, the fourth day after the new moon is called as the Chaturthi. Thus, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated towards the end of August or early September as per the cycle of the moon.

Origin of Ganesh Chaturthi

The origin of Ganesh Chaturthi is still unknown however the early mentions of Ganesh as Ganpati can be traced in the Rig Veda. According to the historical logs Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the emperor of Maratha Empire initiated the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Maharshtra, also there are records that Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations were carried out with equal zest during the Peshwa dynast. After the Peshwa rule and during the beginning of the British rule, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi lost its essence and it was celebrated by families as a private event. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi once again regained its popularity because of Indian freedom fighter and social reformer Lokmanya Tilak. During the British Raj, public gatherings were banned. Hence in order to conduct public meetings to make strategies to free India from British rule, Lokmanya Tilak initiated the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Celebrated by all the sections of the Hindu society (60 Words)

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most loved and one of the prime festivals in Hinduism which is celebrated by all the sections of Hindu society. People celebrate this festival in a grand way all over India, especially in Maharashtra. Many local pandals can be seen decorated where big Ganesh idols are installed and are open for common public to visit. Many people also bring Ganesh idols at home. The entire festive vibe can be witnessed in every corner of Maharashtra.

Ganesh Puja

In order to perform Ganesh Puja you must first install Lord Ganesh’s idol in the Puja room facing North preferably on a wooden table which is covered with a fresh and clean red cloth.

· Light diya of pure ghee and incense sticks

· Do the Pran pratishthapan by praying and chanting mantras to invoke Lord Ganesh.

· Offer five flowers and place them at the feet of the deity idol for Anjali

· Place five betel leaves in front of the deity idol and place one betel nut (supari) on each of the leaf. Offer some organic powdered turmeric (haldi) and kum kum or vermilion

· Now adorn the idol of Lord Ganesh with mukut, and other ornaments,

· Offer a fresh flower garland to the deity idol and now do tilak by applying some haldi, gulal and sindhoor.

· Once the puja is done offer Prasad to the Lord. You can offer Modak to Lord Ganesh as they are His favourite.

· Do aarti and once the aarti is done tie a red puja thread on the wrists of all family members.

· Once this is done perform the Shodashopachara,

· Now offer 21 Durva Grass blades, 21 Modakas, and Red flowers to Ganesha.

· Apply red Sandalwood Paste as a tilak on the forehead of the Lord Ganesh’s idol and place a coconut besides the idol of Lord Ganesh.

· Make a cotton wick and light the Akhand Jyot (ghee lamp that burns 24x7).

· Read the Ganesha Upanishad or pray to Lord Ganesh.

· Chant Shree Ganesha Mantra "Vakratunda Mahaakaaya Suryakoti Samaprabhaa Nirvighnam Kurumedeva Sarvakaaryeshu Sarvadaa"

Lord Ganesh and Bhagavad Gita

According to the ancient scriptures Sage Vyasa wanted Lord Ganesh to write Mahabharata for him as he narrated the Epic. He requested Lord Ganesh, the Lord of wisdom and knowledge to pen down the Epic of Mahabharata for him as he narrated. Lord Ganesh is the Lord who is always offered prayers before beginning anything new and He wards off all the obstacles of the devotees. Bhagavad Gita being an integral part of Mahabharata is said to be written by Lord Ganesh and it is said that the Lord broke one of His divine tusks to write Mahabharata along with the Bhagavad Gita.