Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, is celebrated across the nation with immense enthusiasm to honour Lord Ganesha, son of Shiva and Parvati. This year, the celebration will take place over ten days, starting on September 6 and ending on September 17. During this joyous occasion, devotees bring Lord Ganesha idols to their homes offer prayers and sweets, and seek his blessings. The festival concludes when the idol is carried in a public procession and immersed (visarjan) in a river of sea on the day of Anant Chaturdashi.
Date and Timming :
Ganesha Chaturthi on Saturday, September 7, 2024
Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat - 11:06 AM to 01:36 PM
Ganesha Visarjan on Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Chaturthi Tithi Begins - 05:31 PM on Sep 06, 2024
Chaturthi Tithi Ends - 08:07 PM on Sep 07, 2024
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated for 10 days?
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati created Lord Ganesha from the Sandalwood paste that she used for her bath where she breathed life into the idol. One day, when she was bathing, she instructed him to stand guard.
However, when her husband, Shiva returned, Ganesh denied entry to him. Resultantly, Lord Shiva beheaded Ganesha. Later, to make up for what he had done, Shiva granted Ganesh a new head of that of an elephant. This is being reenacted during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi which lasts for 10 days, representing the birth of Lord Ganesha and his journey back to his mother Parvati.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: 10 Days Celebration
Day 1. Ganesh Chaturthi
The 10-day festival begins with the installation of Ganesh idols in homes and temples, making the ritual of 'pran pratishtha', inviting the spirit of lord Ganesha into the idol. Apart from this, Ganapati Puja is also accompanied by the chanting of hymns and offering sweets like modaks, the favourite sweets of Ganesha.
There are many post-immersion rituals and clean-up activities. A small puja is organised to thank lord Ganesha for his blessings.
