Anant Chaturdashi is an important festival celebrated in India. It marks the end of the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which is dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha. This festival is celebrated with great fervour in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka. It is also known as Anant Chaturdashi or Anant Chaudas.
History of Anant Chaturdashi
Anant Chaturdashi is believed to have been celebrated since ancient times. The festival is mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Rigveda and the Atharvaveda. According to legend, Lord Vishnu was so pleased with the devotion of the sage Anant that he granted him a boon. The boon was that Anant Chaturdashi should be celebrated every year in his honour.
When to celebrate Anant Chaturdashi
Anant Chaturdashi is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in the second week of September. The festival is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka. In 2023 ,it will be celebrated on 28th September.
Significance of Anant Chaturdashi
Anant Chaturdashi marks the end of the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival. On this day, devotees take part in a procession to immerse the idols of Lord Ganesha in water. This symbolises the end of the festival and the return of Lord Ganesha to his abode in Kailash.
Anant Chaturdashi is also a day to remember the sacrifices made by Lord Vishnu to save the world from destruction. It is believed that Lord Vishnu took the form of a giant serpent and encircled the earth to protect it from the demons.
How to celebrate Anant Chaturdashi
On Anant Chaturdashi, devotees wake up early in the morning and take part in a procession to immerse the idols of Lord Ganesha in water. People also offer special prayers to Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings.
Apart from this, people also prepare delicious sweets and savouries to offer to Lord Ganesha as prasad. People also visit temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings.
Summary
Anant Chaturdashi is an important festival celebrated in India. It marks the end of the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which is dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha. The festival is celebrated with great fervour in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka. On this day, devotees take part in a procession to immerse the idols of Lord Ganesha in water. People also offer special prayers to Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings. People also prepare delicious sweets and savouries to offer to Lord Ganesha as prasad.
You can explore other festivals such as Durga Puja and Dussehra.