Introduction :
In Hinduism, the 10-day celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, remembers the birth of the elephant-headed lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and prosperity. It starts on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu calendar’s sixth month, Bhadrapada (August – September).
When the Maratha emperor Shivaji (c. 1630-80) exploited it to inspire nationalist fervor among his followers opposing the Mughals, Ganesh Chaturthi took on the form of a grand public celebration. When the British prohibited political meetings in 1893, Indian nationalist leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak revived the celebration. Today, the holiday is observed in Hindu communities all over the world, although it is especially prominent in Maharashtra and portions of western India.
Importance of Ganesha Chaturthi.
Ganesh sculptures are set up on raised platforms in the home or beautiful decorative outside tents at the start of the festival. The invocation of Life in idols is followed by the shodashopachara, meaning 16 ways of offering devotion. The representations are sprayed with red sandalwood paste and yellow and red flowers as Vedic hymns from religious scriptures such as the Ganesh Upanishad are chanted. Ganesha is also given coconut, jaggery, and 21 modaks (sweet dumplings), which are thought to be his favorite dish.
At the end of the event, the idols are taken in a massive procession to local rivers, followed by drum beats, devotional chanting, and dance. They are engrossed in a rite that represents Ganesha’s return to Mount Kailash, the home of his parents, Shiva and Parvati.
In 2023, Vinayak Chaturthi will be held on September 18 and 19 and end around September 28. On the final day of worship, the idol is immersed after people have prayed to Lord Ganesh, who is revered as the Lord of Wisdom and the Remover of Obstacles, during this festival.
Ganesh Gayatri Mantra:
Verse: “Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe, Vakratundaya Dhimahi,
Tanno Danti Prachodayat “
Meaning: Allow me to meditate on that one-tusked Deva.
Oh, Deva give me the highest intelligence, and you will brighten my mind.
The Final word:
It celebrates the possibility of fresh starts. The moral of Ganesha’s story is that obstacles and disappointments are a part of life, and the goal is to face them head-on with fortitude and elegance. The event exhorts us to let go of the past, welcome change, and enthusiastically embrace the future. The significance of devotion, unity, and mindfulness are imparted during Ganesh Chaturthi as lovely bhajans resound and exquisitely decorated idols touch our hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What will be the implication of Ganesh Chathurthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi represents the deity’s rebirth to showcase a new beginning.
- What will we learn from Ganesh Chaturthi?
Lord Ganesha always teaches us to give respect to everyone and be humble with each other. Don’t treat anyone unequally; this is a major lesson taught by Ganesha.
