Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, is observed for 10 days. This is because of the story behind the festival, where it is believed that Ganesha wrote the Mahabharata continuously for 10 days and had to bathe in the Saraswati River to clean the dust and grime accumulated on his body. Another belief is that Ganesha travels on Earth during these 10 days, giving his devotees a chance to welcome him into their homes. The final day, Anant Chaturdashi, symbolizes the immersion of Ganesha's idol, where devotees bid farewell, seeking his blessings for his return next year.
Ganesh Chaturthi: A Sacred Hindu Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the revered deity of wisdom, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings. Observed over a period of 10 days, this grand festival holds immense religious and cultural importance.
Origins and Significance
According to mythology, Lord Ganesha was born on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is believed that Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from the turmeric paste used for her ritual bath. Upon returning, Lord Shiva mistook Ganesha for a threat and severed his head. To rectify this mistake, Lord Shiva placed the head of an elephant on Ganesha's body, making him the remover of obstacles.
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha and his victory over adversity. It also marks the beginning of the agricultural season, with devotees praying for good crops and prosperity.
Celebrations
During Ganesh Chaturthi, elaborate preparations are made. Devotees install clay idols of Lord Ganesha in their homes or at designated pandals (temporary shrines). These idols are adorned with vibrant colors, flowers, and jewelry, and are offered daily rituals, including prayers, offerings, and arti (a ritual worship with lamps).
The festival culminates with the immersion of the Ganesha idols in water bodies on the 10th day, known as Anant Chaturdashi. This ritual symbolizes Ganesha's departure and his promise to return the following year.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. When is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated? Ans: Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated annually on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September).
2. Why is it observed for 10 days? Ans: It is believed that Lord Ganesha wrote the Mahabharata continuously for 10 days and had to bathe in the Saraswati River to cleanse himself.
3. What is the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi? Ans: Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and marks the beginning of the agricultural season.
4. How is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated? Ans: Devotees install clay idols of Lord Ganesha in their homes or pandals and offer daily rituals, prayers, and offerings. The festival concludes with the immersion of the idols in water bodies.
5. What are some popular past events related to Ganesh Chaturthi? Ans: Some notable past events related to Ganesh Chaturthi include the massive Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh Mandal in Mumbai and the immersion ceremonies at Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
Indian-American actor Kal Penn, known for his roles in popular films and TV shows, paid a visit to the set of the hit Hindi sitcom 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' in Mumbai. Penn shared pictures of his visit on social media, expressing his gratitude to the show's producer and crew for their hospitality. The long-running show, which premiered in 2008, is not only one of the most watched shows in India but also in the world, with over 40 million viewers per episode.
Two of the leading teams in the Women's Big Bash League, Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades, will face off on Monday, November 11 at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide. Despite a difficult start, Renegades have come back with a strong three-game winning streak while Strikers are looking to break their losing streak. The pitch favors the batsmen, making it an exciting match for fans to watch unfold.
Join hosts Simon Samano and Danny Segura as they engage in a spirited debate on the latest episode of "Overreaction Time." Tune in at noon ET/9 a.m. PT to hear the duo's hot takes on current topics in mixed martial arts. Don't miss out on the chance to discuss and interact with fellow MMA fans on the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel. Plus, sign up for the newsletter to receive the latest updates and offers from MMA Junkie and its partners.
Maheep Kapoor, star of Netflix's Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, recently appeared on comedian Raunaq Rajani's show where she recalled the unconventional way she met and fell in love with her husband, actor Sanjay Kapoor. Despite facing challenges in their marriage, Maheep opened up about choosing to look beyond them for the sake of their children and their 30 years of marriage. An interesting and candid glimpse into the life of a Bollywood power couple.
The highly anticipated final season of Cobra Kai is set to bring even more excitement and thrills with the release of Season 6, Part 2 on Netflix. Fans can expect to see the Miyagi-Do team face old and new rivals at the Sekai Taikai competition in Barcelona, Spain. The cast has worked tirelessly to deliver stunning martial arts moves and stunts, with new faces joining the mix. As the end of the series draws near, viewers will be taken on an emotional and entertaining journey, with revelations about Peyton List's character Tory Nichols and her decision to join John Kreese's Cobra Kai dojo.
Dev Diwali, also known as Kartik Purnima, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across India. It falls on the full moon day of Kartik month and holds a special meaning in Hinduism. On this day, gods and goddesses are believed to come down to earth and devotees light lamps along the Ganges as a symbol of devotion to Lord Shiva. This article provides information on the date of Dev Diwali in 2024, its significance, and how to celebrate it.
Karuna Kumar's Telugu film 'Matka' follows the journey of Vasu, a character inspired by gambler Ratan Khatri, also known as the 'matka' king. Vasu's story is a familiar one of survival and ambitions, but it holds potential for exploring the underbelly of crime and its nexus with politics in Visakhapatnam. With an earnest performance by Varun Tej and a talented technical team, 'Matka' falls short in fully exploring its intriguing premise.
Rosie O'Donnell's daughter Chelsea has had a long battle with drug addiction and was recently arrested twice for felony drug charges and child neglect. Rosie has remained quiet about the situation, leading insiders to speculate that she is out of her depth and doesn't know how to handle her daughter's struggles. This comes as a shock to many who remember Rosie as a beloved TV personality and political icon.
The latest promo for Bigg Boss 18 has caused quite a stir among fans with its shocking footage of a physical altercation between contestants Avinash Mishra and Digvijay Rathee. With Bigg Boss's strict policy on violence and past evictions for similar incidents, fans are waiting to see if Avinash will be removed from the competition. As social media buzzes with reactions, fans are divided in their support for both contestants, with some showing sympathy for Digvijay and others applauding Avinash's aggression.
Vikrant Massey, Riddhi Dogra, and Raashi Khanna deliver powerful performances in this investigative drama that delves into the complex truths behind the 2002 Godhra incident. Director Dheeraj Sarna expertly navigates the film's tightly bound two-hour runtime, keeping viewers engaged with a focused pace. However, a lack of emotional resonance slightly hinders the overall impact of the film. Producer Ekta Kapoor's bold choice to bring this story to the screen showcases her versatility and willingness to explore diverse stories.