Ganesh Chaturthi is an auspicious Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi and Ganmohastav, it is a 10-day celebration and this year it will begin from 19th to 28th September 2023.
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrate festivals in India, especially in the western state of Maharashtra, and it is also observe in various other parts of the country.
Ganesh Chaturthi, a deeply cherish festival in India, is anticipate with heighten fervour and devotion.
Celebrated with immense zeal nationwide, this sacred Hindu observance commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, renown as the remover of obstacles and the bestower of wisdom and prosperity.
The atmosphere becomes infuse with an unmistakable sense of delight, as vibrant processions, intricate decorations, and the rhythmic cadence of traditional drums grace the streets.
Families and communities unite in crafting intricate clay idols of Lord Ganesha, follow by 10 days fill with worship, music, dance, and sumptuous feasts.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 promises a period of spiritual rejuvenation, harmony, and cultural opulence.
The Ganeshotsav, the festivity of Ganesh Chaturthi, ends after 10 days on Anant Chaturdashi, which is also known as Ganesh Visarjan Day.
On Anant Chaturdashi, devotees immerse the idol of Lord Ganesh in a water body after a gala street procession.
In different parts of the country, Lord Ganesha is known by different names such as Vakratunda, Gajanana, Siddhi Vinayaka, Ekdanta, and Dhoomraketu among many others.
Start Date of Ganesh Chaturthi 2023
Ganesha Chaturthi starts on 19th September, 2023
Time of Ganesh Chaturthi 2023
As per Drig Panchang, Chaturthi Tithi Begins at 12:39 PM on 18th September, 2023, and Chaturthi Tithi Ends at 01:43 PM on 19th September, 2023.
During this festival, there is a significant and auspicious moment to place the idol of Lord Ganesha, which occurs during the Madhyahna Muhurat on 19th September 2023, specifically from 11:01 a.m. to 1:28 p.m.
It is essential to avoid moon sightings before Ganesha Chaturthi, as consider inauspicious.
So, the forbidden time is from 09:45 AM to 08:44 PM on 18th September 2023.
Date of Ganpati Visarjan
Ganesha Visarjan will be celebrate on 28th September, 2023
Celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi
As in general, people bring an idol of Lord Ganesha to their home and worship for 10 days and on the 11th day, the grand visarjan occurs.
This visarjan or immersion of Lord Ganesha in some water bodies is a musical and colourful procession.
Fasting Rules of Ganesh Chaturthi
- For Nirjal (Waterless) Fasting : This is a strict form of fasting where you abstain from both food and water for the entire day.
- For Phalahar (Fruit) Fasting : In this type of fasting, you can consume fruits, nuts, and dairy products like milk and yoghurt.
- For Satvik Fasting : This involves consuming only simple, vegetarian, and easily digestible food items like sabudana (tapioca pearls), fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Puja Vidhi of Ganesh Chaturthi 2023
Ganesh Puja is traditionally conduct during Madhyahna, as it is believe that Lord Ganesh was born during this specific time period.
Madhyahna Kala corresponds to the midpoint of the day according to the Hindu division of time.
In Hindu timekeeping, the duration between sunrise and sunset is divide into five equal segments, Pratahkala, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna and Sayankal.
For the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi, Ganapati Sthapana and Ganapati Puja are specifically perform during the Madhyahna segment of the day.
According to Vedic astrology and tradition, this Madhyahna period is consider the most auspicious and suitable time for conducting Ganesha Puja.
During this midday period, followers of Lord Ganesha engage in a comprehensive and ritualistic Ganesha Puja, which is commonly refer to as Shodashopachara Ganapati Puja.
History of Ganesh Chaturthi
As per popular belief, Goddess Parvati sculpted Lord Ganesha from earth, giving him the form of a young boy.
She assign him the duty of guarding the entrance while she bath.
During this time, Lord Shiva, unaware of Ganesha’s identity, arrives and engages in a battle with him.
In the course of the conflict, Lord Shiva inadvertently severely slits Ganesha’s head.
This tragic event led to Goddess Parvati assuming the form of Goddess Kali, issuing a threat to Lord Shiva that unless a solution was found, she would unleash destruction upon the entire Universe.
In response, Lord Shiva instruct his followers to find a child and behead it, and fate led them to a baby elephant.
Lord Shiva then affix the elephant’s head onto Ganesha’s body, miraculously restoring him to life.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrate to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good luck.
Lord Ganesha is believe to be the remover of obstacles and the giver of good fortune.
The preparations for Ganeshotsav usually begin a few weeks before the main event.
People clean and decorate their homes with colorful rangoli designs and flowers.
Clay idols of Lord Ganesha, varying in size, are brought into homes and public places.
Also, devotees perform a ceremonial installation of the idol.
Many devotees choose to fast on Ganesh Chaturthi as a mark of their devotion.
They abstain from consuming grains and lentils during the fast and opt for fruits, nuts, and milk-based products.
The fast typically continues until the evening when the main puja (prayer) is perform.
During Ganesh Chaturthi fasting, it’s not just about what people eat, but also about their dedication.
Some devotees may choose to fast for a specific number of days leading up to the festival, while others fast only on the day of Chaturthi itself.
Fasting is a way for them to purify their minds and bodies, allowing them to fully participate in the celebrations with a sense of spiritual purity and devotion to Lord Ganesha.
It is also a special time when people come together to celebrate Ganpati ji.
They sing songs and offer prayers, seeking his wisdom and help in overcoming obstacles.
After the prayers, they share delicious food, especially modaks, with family and friends.
In towns and cities, there are big celebrations with beautiful idols and cultural performances.
On the 11th day, the idol is immerse in water to symbolize Lord Ganesha’s return to heaven.
And these days, many people are also taking care of the environment by using clay idols and natural decorations.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a joyful and eco-friendly celebration that unites communities and showcases India’s rich culture.
Ganesh Chaturthi Bank Holiday
- 17th September, 2023- Sunday, a weekly holiday (banks across the country are closed on this day).
- 18th September, 2023 – Banks will remain closed in karnataka and telangana on the occasion of Vinayaka Chaturthi.
- 19th September, 2023 – Banks will remain closed on Vinayaka Chaturthi in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Goa.
- 20th September, 2023 – Banks will be closed in orissa and goa due to Vinayaka Chaturthi (second day) and Nuvakai.
