On the occasion of birthday of lord ganesh, a festival celebrated by hindus known as Vinayaka Chavithi or Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, Vinayagar (in Tamil Nadu), In the duration of festival devotees believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees.
Lords Shiva and Parvathi are his parents; on this day lord shiva declared that his son Ganesha as superior to all the gods. Ganesha is widely worshipped as the god of knowledge, prosperity and good luck and traditionally invoked at the beginning of any new work or at the start of journey.
His birthday is also known as “Ganeshotsav” by the devotees, which is observed in the month of Bhaadrapada (as per Hindu calendar), starting on the “shuklachaturthi” (fourth day of the waxing moon period). The days usually fall between 19th Aug – 15th September. Ganeshothsav lasts for 10 days 9 nights (Nav Rathri), ending on Anant Chaturdashi (fourteenth day of the increasing moon period).
Ganesh chathurthi is widely celebrated all over India, however mostly involved in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. This festival is also celebrated in other countries such as Nepal, US, UK, Singapore etc by Hindus.
A life-like clay model of Lord Ganesha is made 2-3 months prior to the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. The size of this idol may vary from 3/4th of an inch to over 25 feet.
On the day of the festival, it is placed on raised platforms in homes or in elaborately decorated outdoor tents for people to view and pay their homage. The priest, usually clad in red silk dhoti and shawl, then invokes life into the idol amidst the chanting of mantras. This ritual is called 'pranapratishhtha'. After this the 'shhodashopachara' (16 ways of paying tribute) follows. Coconut, jaggery, 21 'modakas' (rice flour preparation), 21 'durva' (trefoil) blades and red flowers are offered. The idol is anointed with red unguent or sandal paste (rakta chandan). Throughout the ceremony, Vedic hymns from the Rig Veda and Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad, and Ganesha stotra from the Narada Purana are chanted.
For 10 days, from Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi, Ganesha is worshipped. On the 11th day, the image is taken through the streets in a procession accompanied with dancing, singing, to be immersed in a river or the sea symbolizing a ritual see-off of the Lord in his journey towards his abode in Kailash while taking away with him the misfortunes of all man. All join in this final procession shouting "Ganapathi Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya" (O father Ganesha, come again early next year). After the final offering of coconuts, flowers and camphor is made, people carry the idol to the river to immerse it.
The whole community comes to worship Ganesha in beautifully done tents. These also serve as the venue for free medical checkup, blood donation camps, charity for the poor, dramatic performances, films, devotional songs, etc. during the days of the festival.
Take fresh spiritual resolves and pray to Lord Ganesha for inner spiritual strength to attain success in all your undertakings.
Watch the Lord Ganesha's Birth Story
Watch the Lord Ganesha's Birth Story
May the blessings of Sri Ganesha be upon you all! May He remove all the obstacles that stand in your spiritual path! May He bestow on you all material prosperity as well as liberation!
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