Ganesh Chaturthi: A festive guide to the traditions and global celebrations
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Indian festivals are more than just grand rituals; each one has its own captivating stories, unique purpose, and special meaning.
In the months of August and September, one festival truly steals the spotlight across India: Ganesh Chaturthi. In this blog, we’ll explore why Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated, who started it, when it takes place, why it lasts for 10 days, and how you can celebrate the festival of Ganesha as an expat abroad.
So, let’s dive in and discover more!
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi is a joyous festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity.
This widely loved deity is often dubbed as the remover of obstacles and the God of new beginnings.
You might be curious: why does Ganesha have an elephant head with a human body, and how does this relate to new beginnings?
The story goes back to his unique birth defined in Hindu mythology.
Lord Ganesha didn’t start with an elephant head. He was first created from sandalwood paste by Lord Shiva’s consort, Goddess Parvati. She breathed life into him and instructed him to guard the entrance while she took a bath.
When Lord Shiva returned home, he saw Ganesha, who, unaware of who Shiva was, refused him entry. Angered, Shiva severed Ganesha’s head in the ensuing battle.
Realising his mistake and seeing Parvati’s grief, Shiva promised to bring Ganesha back to life. The gods set out to find the first living being whose head was facing north.
The first head they found belonged to an elephant. They placed it on Ganesha’s body, reviving him. This act earned Ganesha his distinctive appearance and a special place in the hearts of devotees.
This cycle of life, death, and revival makes Ganesha unique, representing overcoming obstacles and new beginnings.
Who started Ganesh Chaturthi?
Now that you know why Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated, let’s talk about who turned it into the grand festival we see today.
While worshipping Ganesha dates back to ancient times and Hindu mythology, it was the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century who popularised it as a private family ritual. His main goal? To promote culture and nationalism during his reign.
Fast forward to 1893, and the festival got a major upgrade, transforming from a private affair to a full-blown public celebration.
Just how public, you ask? Picture large idols of Ganpati, public processions, cultural performances, and community gatherings spanning 10 days!
Social reformer and freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak saw this festival as a perfect opportunity to unite people, fostering a sense of community, cultural identity, and patriotism among Indians. His efforts significantly contributed to the Indian independence movement, making Ganesh Chaturthi not just a religious celebration but also a symbol of unity and freedom.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi?
When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024? Mark your calendars as Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on 7th September 2024.
Why Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for 10 days?
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated by Indian families around the world in many ways – while some welcome Lord Ganesha home for 1 and half days, others celebrate the festival for 5 days, 7 days, or up to 10 days!
Now, you might be wondering: Why Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for 10 days?
Well, the tale of Ganesha’s birth and revival is one of the reasons for this extended celebration. It symbolises the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, showcasing the power of divine grace to overcome any obstacle.
The first day kicks off with devotees putting up Ganesha idols in homes and public places. They perform elaborate rituals, including the Pranapratishtha, to invite the deity’s presence into the idol. Plus, they conduct religious ceremonies called Ganpati aarti, offer flowers and modak, and light up lamps to warmly welcome the beloved God.
From day 2 to day 9, the festivities continue with offerings, prayers, and cultural performances. The evenings are particularly delightful, filled with music, dance, and various community events celebrating the deity.
Day 10 is the grand finale, known as Ganesh Visarjan, or the immersion of the idol. On this day, people bid a heartfelt farewell to Ganesha. They carry the idol in a vibrant procession to a nearby water body, like a river, lake, or sea. Immersing the idol symbolises the dissolution of Ganesha’s physical form and his return to Mount Kailash, the home of his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
How to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
Living abroad as an expat can make big festivities like Ganesh Chaturthi tug at your heartstrings a bit more than usual. If you’re planning to celebrate this joyous festival abroad, you might be wondering how to get started.
First things first: it’s all about getting ready for the Ganesh Chaturthi puja.
How to do Ganesh Chaturthi puja at home?
- Step one is to clean your home and decorate it with rangolis, flowers, and lights. Remember, this festival is all about new beginnings, and these elements help set the perfect stage.
- Next, buy or create a beautiful idol of Lord Ganesha. Eco-friendly options are available online, so you can celebrate with a green touch.
- Set up an altar where the idol will be placed and decorate it with flowers, garlands, and lights. Now, it’s time for the rituals and prayers.
- How do you invoke life into the idol? Conduct the Pranapratishtha by chanting mantras and prayers to invite Lord Ganesha into your home. If you’re not sure about these chants, look for Pranapratishtha mantras online.
- Don’t forget to offer sweets, fruits, and flowers. Modaks are Ganesha’s favourite sweet! These delightful dumplings, made with flour and stuffed with coconut, dry fruits, and jaggery, are a must. You can easily find a recipe online, and they usually take about an hour to prepare.
- Perform morning and evening worship rituals with songs and lights during the first nine days to keep the festive spirit alive.
- On the tenth day, it’s time to immerse the idol in water. Just make sure you don’t get into any trouble with local authorities! Alternatively, immerse the idol in a bucket of water at home. It’s the sentiment that matters, after all!
If there’s an Indian community or Hindu temple nearby, check to see if they have any gatherings or cultural programs. By embracing these traditions and festivities, you can celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with joy, devotion, and a deep sense of cultural pride, no matter where you are.
Before you go…
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Frequently asked questions
What colour to wear on Ganesh Chaturthi?
Go all out with the festive vibes! Embrace the celebration by wearing traditional and auspicious colors like bright red, sunny yellow, or vibrant orange.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 start and end date
Start date: Saturday, 7 September
End date: Tuesday, 17 September
Is Ganesh Chaturthi a national holiday?
Yes, it is in India. This festive occasion is celebrated with gusto across Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
Is Ganesh Chaturthi a bank holiday?
Ganesh Chaturthi is a bank holiday, so banks will be taking a break in many Indian states during the festivities. And since Ganesh Chaturthi is a grand, extended celebration, you might find banks closed for more than just a day. If you’re sending money to your loved ones in India as a festive gift, be sure to send it ahead of time.
Is Ganesh Chaturthi a school holiday?
You bet it is! Schools will be closed on the 7th of September, 2024. Enjoy the break!
What is the main sweet dish served during Ganesh Chaturthi?
What’s the star sweet dish during Ganesh Chaturthi, you ask? Well, it’s all about the modaks! These delightful sweet dumplings are Ganesha’s absolute favourite. Made from rice flour, or even white flour, these modaks are stuffed with a delicious mix of coconut, dry fruits, and jaggery.
But wait, there’s more! You can also indulge in Puran Poli, Sheera, and Ladoo. So many sweet choices to make the celebration even sweeter!
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with the products or vendors mentioned.
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