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.
Bollywood star Deepika Padukone joins millions of fans in swooning over Brad Pitt's performance in F1, the highly-anticipated racing film directed by Joseph Kosinski. With a powerful cast, adrenaline-fueled race sequences, and an emotional undercurrent, the film has already received rave reviews since its international release on June 27. Adding to its allure is a star-studded soundtrack and the subtle endorsement of Deepika Padukone.
With his captivating looks and stellar performances, Ajith Kumar has become the talk of the town in the world of Bollywood. From breaking records at the box office to garnering immense fan following, the actor has taken the industry by storm. Stay updated with all the latest news and updates about Ajith Kumar, including his upcoming projects, controversies, and more, on Bollywood Hungama. Don't miss out on any news about this rising superstar.
Navjot Singh Sidhu's return to The Great Indian Kapil Show 3 as a co-judge with Archana Puran Singh was met with enthusiasm in the first episode of the latest season. However, in the second episode, his seat was empty and Kapil Sharma jokingly asked if Archana made him disappear. It was later revealed that Archana had locked Sidhu in his vanity van and he had to be rescued at the end of the episode. The hilariously chaotic prank was enjoyed by all and showcased the playful camaraderie between the cast.
In a highly anticipated UFC lightweight championship bout, IIia Topuria emerged victorious with a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira in Las Vegas. The explosive fight saw Topuria dominate from the beginning, ending the night with a TKO that earned him the coveted title. Fans are already buzzing with excitement over Topuria's impressive performance and discussing potential future opponents for his first title defense.
President Irfaan Ali has announced that steps have been taken towards the construction of a new national museum in central Georgetown. The museum, which will showcase Guyana's rich cultural heritage, will be built in an area that is currently considered an eyesore. This project is part of the City Redevelopment and Modernisation Plan, which aims to preserve the city's cultural and architectural heritage. The new museum is set to be a magnificent addition to the capital city and is expected to draw both locals and tourists alike.
The highly-anticipated third season of "Squid Game" has finally dropped on Netflix, and fans are raving about the series once again. Despite the overall positive reaction, one element that has remained consistent throughout all three seasons is the collective hatred towards the American VIP characters. With their peculiar and sadistic behavior, viewers can't help but root against them as the main character, Gi-hun, fights to end the deadly game once and for all.
The latest edition of WWE SmackDown was jam-packed with intense matches and surprise moments, setting the stage for the upcoming Night of Champions event. The evening saw wrestlers like Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Nia Jax in action, with a brief disruption for international viewers due to a Netflix feed issue. In one match, Jimmy Uso faced off against JC Mateo, but things escalated when Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa entered the mix. Elsewhere, Giulia captured the Women's U.S. Championship, leading to tension between Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, and Jade Cargill. The Tag Team Championship match between The Street Profits and The Wyatt Sicks ended in chaos.
The first ever Podmasters 2025 conclave and awards show, organized by HT Smartcast and Fever Live, brought together digital creators, industry professionals, and Bollywood personalities for a day full of insightful discussions, masterclasses, and awards honoring the best in Indian podcasting. The event showcased the growing influence and presence of the audio medium in India's media landscape, with attendees such as Rhea Chakraborty, Prajakta Koli, Gauhar Khan, and Karishma Tanna adding their own charm and star power to the event. Actress Rhea Chakraborty, who won an award for Best Mental Health Podcast, shared her motivation for starting her own podcast and creating a safe space for open discussions.
BTS fans were shocked and saddened as BIG HIT MUSIC announced the military enlistment of the group's oldest member, Jin. The agency also warned fans of scammers taking advantage of the situation and promised to provide Jin with all the support he needs during his time in the military. Emotional messages and trends like "We love you Jin" and "Take me instead" flooded Twitter as fans bid farewell to their beloved idol.
After almost a year of running, BTS' Jin's variety show, RUN JIN, came to an end with its finale episode on May 27. Towards the end, the idol received a touching video message from his fellow member, j-hope, expressing his appreciation and friendship. Fans and netizens were moved to tears by this display of love and support among the BTS members. As Jin embarks on his solo career with albums and a world tour, fans eagerly await more content from the talented idol.