Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It is celebrated in honour of the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Hindus all over the world. It is believed that Lord Ganesha brings peace, harmony, and joy into the lives of his devotees.
History of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is believed to have originated in Maharashtra. It is believed that the festival was first celebrated by the Maratha King, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in the 17th century. Since then, it has been celebrated every year with great devotion and enthusiasm.
The festival was popularised by the great Indian freedom fighter, Lokmanya Tilak. He believed that the festival could be used to bring people together and promote national unity. He organised public celebrations of the festival, which became very popular.
When to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which falls in the months of August or September. The festival usually lasts for 10 days, culminating in the immersion of the Lord Ganesha’s idol in the sea or a river. This year it will be celebrated on 19th September.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that Lord Ganesha is the remover of all obstacles and brings happiness, prosperity, and success to his devotees. The festival is also a reminder of the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and devotion.
How to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by Hindus all over the world. People bring idol of Ganesha at their house.They worship it with full devotion for 10 days. Devotees worship Lord Ganesha by offering him flowers, sweets, and other offerings. They also chant mantras and perform aarti in his honour.
On the tenth day of the festival, the idol of Lord Ganesha is taken in a procession and immersed in the sea or a river. This is done to signify the end of the festival .It is a ten day festival.
Summary
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It is celebrated in honour of the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Hindus all over the world. The festival is celebrated on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which falls in the months of August or September. It is believed that Lord Ganesha is the remover of all obstacles and brings happiness, prosperity, and success to his devotees. On the day of the festival, devotees offer flowers, sweets, and other offerings to Lord Ganesha. On the tenth day of the festival, the idol of Lord Ganesha is taken in a procession and immersed in the sea or a river.
You can explore other festivals such as Janamashtami and Vaikuntha Ekadashi.