It is that time of the years when devotees welcome Lord Ganesh to their humble abodes and celebrate his coming with joy and enthusiasm. Yes, Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayak Chaturthi is around the corner and it is one of the most favourite festivals in India. The 11-day festival begins on the fourth day(Chaturthi) of the month of Bhadrapada(August-September)or the sixth month as per Hindu Calendar. The auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi will begin this year from 2nd September.
Here is all you need to know about Ganesh Chaturthi 2019:
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi:
Ganesh Chaturthi 2019 is a celebration of Lord Ganesha’s birth. He is also known as the God of Wealth and Wisdom. He is also known as Vighnaharta one who evicts obstacles on the path of success. Not many know that each body part of Lord Ganesha holds a message. The long ears suggest being a good listener. Ganesh Chaturthi 2019: 5 Types Of Modak To Try Out This Festive Season
The smallmouth suggests speaking less. One hand in the position of blessing gives the message to wish good for everyone. Trunk depicts the easy adaptability and high efficacy. Instead of 2, he has one tusk, it shows that one should keep the good stuff within and throw the hazardous stuff out. Small eyes show good concentration, and the big head is the depiction of “Think Big” philosophy.
Ganesh Chaturthi is known by different names:
Ganesh Chaturthi is observed in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh. But it is known with different names. In north India Ganesh Chaturthi is popular, in Maharashtra the festival is also known as Ganeshotsav. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the name Vinayaka Chavithi and in Tamil Nadu it is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. But whatever be the name, the spirit and enthusiasm of Ganesh Chaturthi remain the same throughout the country.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi starts on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon) in the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu calendar. The festival ends on the day of Anant Chaturdasi, the fourteenth day of Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha. Ganesh Puja is usually preferred during Madhyahna or mid-day as it is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during Madhyahna Kala. (mid-day time)
The story behind Ganesh Chaturthi:
According to mythology, Ganeshji was created by Goddess Parvati with sandal paste that she used for her bath. She went for a bath asking her Ganesha to guard the door and not let anyone enter. Lord Shiva who had been meditating arrives on the doorstep but is stopped by Ganesha. Not knowing who he is Lord Shiva accidentally chopped off Ganesha’s head that elicited Parvati’s rage. To satisfy his wife, Lord Shiva along with the other Gods fixed the head of a baby elephant on Ganesha’s trunk. Hence Lord Ganesha with the elephant head was created. On this auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Shiva blessed Ganesha and said that he will be the only deity who would be worshipped ahead of any other God. He would always be worshipped as a symbol of knowledge, wisdom and strength.
Some communities celebrate this festival to mark the birth of Mahabharata. It is said that Lord Ganesh wrote Mahabharata as Sage Vyasa recited it to him. Ganesh demanded the sage to recite it without any delay or pause. In the process, the writing instrument of Ganesh broke. Since he had no time to get a new one, he broke a part of his tusk and continued writing. It is said that the writing process went for 10 whole days. After the epic was completely written, on the eleventh day, clay was applied over Ganesh body and he was asked to take a bath in a river. These ten days are celebrated during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival and on the eleventh day, the idol is immersed into any water body.
Rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi:
The worship begins with the priest chanting mantras to invoke life into the idol and the Lord is bathed with sandalwood paste and kumkum. This is known as ‘pranapratistha’. Different tributes are offered to the lord that include the traditional ‘modak’ which is a conical sweet made up of coconut and jaggery. Other things like coconut, jaggery, durva (a special type of tri-bladed grass) and red flowers are also used for the puja. Traditionally, 21 modaks and 21 durvas are essential for the puja. The visarjan takes place on the 11th day by immersing the idol in water. This ‘visharjan’ is preceded by last rites of worshipping the deity with coconut and flowers; this is usually associated with long processions and huge crowds.
1. Pranapratishhtha: Process of creating an idol. Those who buy idols, perform this ritual while placing the idol in the pandal or in their home, ready for prayers.
2. Shhodashopachara:16 types of prayers are performed during this ritual. This includes providing delicacies, decorating with flowers and others
3. Uttarpuja: This ritual takes place right before the deity is taken from the position and placed ready for a procession towards any water body.
4. Ganpati Visarjan: Immersing the idol into the sea or river. This ritual indicates that God is everywhere and formless. It is also a reminder of the concept that nothing is permanent.
Important Timings On Ganesh Chaturthi 2019:
- Sunrise September 02, 2019 6:12 AM
- Sunset September 02, 2019 6:40 PM
- Chaturthi Tithi Starts September 02, 2019 4:56 AM
- Chaturthi Tithi Ends September 03, 2019 1:53 AM
- Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Time September 02, 11:11 AM – September 02, 1:41 PM
- Time To Avoid Moon Sighting September 02, 9:00 AM – September 02, 9:12 PM
- Ganesh Mantra श्री वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्य कोटी समप्रभा निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्व-कार्येशु सर्वदा॥
- Ganesha Visarjan on Thursday, September 12, 2019
Prohibited Moon Sighting on Ganesha Chaturthi:
Devotees avoid sighting the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. As it is believed that sighting the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi creates Mithya Dosham which means false accusation of stealing something.
As per mythology, Lord Krishna was falsely accused of stealing precious jewel named Syamantaka. After seeing plights of Lord Krishna, Sage Narada informed that Lord Krishna sighted the moon on the day of Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi and because of that he has been cursed with Mithya Dosha. Sage Narada further informed Lord Krishna that God Chandra has been cursed by Lord Ganesha that anyone who sighted the moon on Shukla Chaturthi during Bhadrapada month would be cursed with Mithya Dosha and would be tainted and dishonoured in the society. On the advice of sage Narada, Lord Krishna observed Ganesha Chaturthi fasting to get rid of Mithya Dosha.
Mithya Dosha Prevention Mantra:
Depending on start and end time of Chaturthi Tithi, the sighting of the moon might be prohibited for two consecutive days. According to DrikPanchang.com rules, Moon should not be sighted while Chaturthi Tithi is prevailing. Further, Moon risen during Chaturthi should not be sighted even if Chaturthi Tithi gets over before moonset.
If anyone has mistakenly sighted the moon on Ganesha Chaturthi then he should chant following Mantra to get rid of the curse –
सिंहः प्रसेनमवधीत्सिंहो जाम्बवता हतः।
सुकुमारक मारोदीस्तव ह्येष स्यमन्तकः॥
Simhah Prasenamavadhitsimho Jambavata Hatah।
Sukumaraka Marodistava Hyesha Syamantakah॥
Iconic Temples to visit during Ganesh Chaturthi:
1. Ashtavinayaka Temple of Pune
2. Siddhivinayak Temple of Mumbai
3. Kanipakam Vinayaka temple of Chittoor
4. Karpaka Vinayakar temple of Thiruppatthur
5. Chintaman Ganesh temple of Ujjain
Top Delicacies of Ganesh Chaturthi:
This festival is all about rituals and delicacies. Here are the top delicacies to enjoy during this festival are:
1. Modak
2. Srikhand
3. Rajgira Laddoo
4. Gur Nariyal Wadi
5. Sabudana Kheer
6. Thalipeeth
7. Puran Poli
Happy Ganeshutsav.