BhaktiLoopGaneshotsav / Ganesh Chaturthi Puja
Ganeshotsav, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is a grand Hindu festival celebrating the annual arrival of Lord Ganesha to earth from Kailash Parvat with his mother Goddess Parvati/Gauri. The festival is marked with the installation of Ganesha clay idols privately in homes and publicly in elaborate pandals (temporary shrines). The celebrations typically last for 10 days, culminating on Anant Chaturdashi, when the idol is immersed in a water body (visarjan).
Purpose
To celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha, invoke his blessings for the removal of obstacles (Vighnaharta), bestowal of wisdom, prosperity, good fortune, and success in all endeavors. It also signifies new beginnings and the welcoming of divinity into homes and communities.
Key Rituals
- Idol Sthapana (Installation):** The ceremonial placement of the Ganesha idol in a clean and decorated puja altar, usually on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. This involves 'Pranapratishtha' (invocation of life into the idol) amidst chanting of mantras.
- Shodashopachara Puja (16-Step Worship):** A detailed daily ritual that includes: Avahan (invocation), Asana (offering a seat), Padya (washing feet), Arghya (offering water), Achaman (sipping water), Snana (bathing), Vastram (offering clothes), Yajnopaveetam (sacred thread), Gandham (sandalwood paste), Pushpam (flowers, especially red hibiscus), Dhupam (incense), Deepam (lamp), Naivedyam (food offerings, especially Modak), Tamboolam (betel leaves and nuts), Dakshina (monetary offering), Neerajanam/Aarti (waving of lamps), Mantrapushpam (flower offering with mantras), Pradakshina (circumambulation), Namaskaram (prostration).
- Daily Aarti & Bhajans:** Morning and evening prayers, devotional songs, and the waving of lamps (Aarti) in front of the idol.
- Modak Offerings:** Special preparation and offering of 'modak' (sweet dumplings) as it is Lord Ganesha's favorite sweet. 21 modaks are traditionally offered.
- Durva Grass Offering:** Offering 21 blades of 'durva' (Bermuda grass) to Lord Ganesha, as it is considered highly sacred to him.
- Community Celebrations (Pandals):** Public pandals organize elaborate decorations, cultural programs, bhajan-kirtans, and community feasts.
- Visarjan (Immersion):** The final ritual on Anant Chaturdashi (or earlier, depending on family tradition – 1.5, 3, 5, 7 days), where the Ganesha idol is ceremoniously immersed in a body of water (river, lake, sea) amidst chanting of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya' (Hail Lord Ganesha, come quickly next year).
Common Offerings
Modak (steamed or fried sweet dumplings)
Laddoo (sweet spherical treats)
Durva Grass (21 blades)
Red Hibiscus Flowers
Sandalwood Paste (Chandan)
Vermillion (Sindoor)
Betel Leaves and Nuts (Tamboolam)
Coconut
Fruits (especially bananas and pomegranates)
Sweets and Grains (Naivedyam)
Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) and Lamp (Diya)
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
Meaning
Salutations to Lord Ganesha, who is the leader of all divine beings (Ganas) and the remover of obstacles.
Benefits
This is the Moola Mantra (root mantra) of Lord Ganesha. Chanting it regularly helps in removing obstacles, bringing success, wisdom, and good fortune in all ventures, and purifying the mind.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Vakratunda Mahakaya, Surya Koti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva, Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada.
Meaning
O Lord Ganesha, of the curved trunk and massive body, whose radiance is like that of a million suns, I pray to you to remove all obstacles from my endeavors, always.
Benefits
This mantra is chanted at the beginning of any new work, journey, or ritual to seek Lord Ganesha's blessings for the smooth completion of the task without any hindrances. It invokes his power to clear paths and bring success.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe, Vakratundaya Dhimahi, Tanno Danti Prachodayat.
Meaning
We meditate on the one-tusked Lord. We meditate on the one with the curved trunk. May that Ganesha enlighten our intellect.
Benefits
This is the Ganesha Gayatri Mantra. Chanting it helps in enhancing wisdom, intelligence, concentration, and spiritual awareness. It invokes divine guidance and clarity of thought.
Auspicious Days
- Start:** Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon phase in the month of Bhadrapada, typically August or September).
- End:** Anant Chaturdashi (fourteenth day of the waxing moon phase in the month of Bhadrapada, 10 days after Ganesh Chaturthi).
The celebrations can last for 1.5, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days, with immersion performed on the chosen day.
Regional Variations
While Ganeshotsav is celebrated across India and by Hindus worldwide, its grandeur varies. It is most elaborate and publicly celebrated in Maharashtra, particularly in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, with large community pandals and elaborate processions. In Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat, it is also celebrated with enthusiasm. In South India, it's often referred to as Vinayaka Chaturthi and is generally celebrated more as a family affair at home, often for a single day or 3-5 days. The type of idol (e.g., eco-friendly clay idols becoming common) and specific local customs (like unique sweet preparations or traditional games) can also vary by region.
Related Pujas
Sankashti Chaturthi: A monthly fast and puja observed on the fourth day after the full moon (Krishna Paksha Chaturthi) for Ganesha's blessings.
Angarki Chaturthi: A particularly auspicious Sankashti Chaturthi when it falls on a Tuesday.
Any new venture or auspicious beginning in Hinduism typically starts with a prayer or puja to Lord Ganesha to ensure success and remove obstacles.