The vibrant festival of Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated from 19 September to 28 September 2023.
Ganesh Chaturthi, is a very significant Hindu festival and is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav. It marks the joyous arrival of Lord Ganesha, a beloved deity known for wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune in Indian culture. People in India celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with great enthusiasm, especially in places like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. Here celebrations continue for 11 to 21 days in several households and Ganesh pandals (mandaps).
When will Ganesh Chaturthi be celebrated in 2023?
Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 19 September 2023 and will span a period of 10 days, culminating in Ganesha Visarjan on Thursday, 28 September 2023. This year, the festival pays homage to Lord Ganesha, who is known by various names like Gajanana, Dhoomraketu, Ekdanta, Vakrtunda, and Siddhi Vinayaka.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Key Dates and Timings
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha’s birth falls during the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month in the Hindu calendar, typically aligning with August-September in the Gregorian calendar. In 2023, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 19th.
Puja Muhurat for Vinayak Chaturdashi
Vinayak Chaturdashi in 2023 commences on Monday, September 18, at 12:39 PM, concluding on Tuesday, September 19, at 8:43 PM. The Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat, a time of special significance, extends from 11:01 AM to 01:28 PM, lasting for 2 hours and 27 minutes. Devotees are advised to avoid Moon sighting a day before Ganesha Chaturthi, between 09:45 AM and 08:44 PM.
Ganesh Chaturthi Rituals and Significance
The rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi are observed with fervor and devotion, reflecting the rich tapestry of Indian culture. Devotees follow a series of steps to celebrate the festival with reverence:
Early Preparation: Devotees begin the day by waking up early, taking a bath, and donning clean attire.
Idol Setup: A chowki is adorned with red or yellow cloth to host the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Pooja Rituals: The idol is sanctified with Ganga Jal, a diya is lit, and a haldi-kumkum tilak is applied to the forehead. Offerings include Laddoos, Modaks, yellow flowers, vermillion, Meetha Paan, Paan supari laung, dry fruits, and various fruits.
Decoration: The area around the idol is embellished with decorative materials to create a divine ambiance. In Maharashtra, people make beautiful ‘makars’ – beautiful sets made out of thermocol.
Invocation: The Pooja begins with the chanting of “Om Gan Ganpataye Namah” mantra, followed by Bindayak Katha and Ganesh Stotram.
Bhajan Kirtan: Devotees engage in singing bhajans and kirtans during these auspicious days.
Temple Visits: Those who are unable to bring Lord Ganesha’s idol home can offer prayers by visiting temples, where laddoos and Durva are presented.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Mantras and Their Significance
Om Gan Ganpataye Namah..!!
Om Shree Ganeshaye Namah..!!
Om Vakratund Mahakaye Suryakoti Samaprabha,
Nirvighnam Kurumaydev Sarv Karyeshu Sarvada..!!
Ekdantaye Vidmahe Vakratundaye,
Dheemahi Tanno Danti Prachodayat..!!
Gajananam Bhuta Ganadhi Sevitam
Kapittha Jambu Palasara Bhaksitam |
Uma Sutam Shoka Vinasha Karanam
Namami Vignesvara Pada Pankajam ||
Rituals During the 10-day Ganesh Utsav 2023
Throughout the 10-day celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees perform 16 rituals. These rituals encompass four essential steps:
1. Avahana and Pran Pratishtha Ritual:
The Ganpati idol is sanctified through the ‘Avahana’ and ‘Pran Pratishtha’ rituals. Devotees invite Lord Ganesha with mantra recitations and evoke life within the idol placed in pandals, temples, or homes.
2. Shodashopachara Ganesh Chaturthi Ritual:
The tradition of ‘Shodashopachara’ involves a 16-step puja, where ‘shodasha’ signifies 16 and ‘upachara’ translates to ‘devoutly offering to the lord.’ The rituals include washing Ganesha’s feet, bathing the idol in milk, ghee, honey, curd, and sugar (panchamrit snan). The idol is then anointed with scented oil and Ganga jal. Offering of new vastra/clothes, flowers, unbroken rice (Akshata), garland, sindoor, and chandan follows. Devotees worship the adorned idol with modak, betel leaves, coconut (naivedya), incense sticks, diyas, hymns, and mantras.
3. Ganesh Chaturthi Uttarpuja Ritual:
Before visarjan (immersion), the festival reaches its pinnacle with immense joy and devotion. People take part in the festivities, whether in pandals, temples, or homes, irrespective of their age. With the enchanting chant of mantras, aarti, and flowers, Ganesha is worshipped to bid farewell. The sequence involves Niranjan aarti, Pushpanjali arpan, and Pradakshina.
4. Ganpati Visarjan in Ganesh Chaturthi:
The final ritual, Ganpati Visarjan, entails the immersion of the Ganesha idol in water. As devotees bid adieu, they chant, “Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Laukar Ya” (Hail Lord Ganpati, come quickly next year). This Visarjan is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi:
Beyond the rituals, Ganesh Chaturthi symbolizes the rebirth of Lord Ganesha and represents the ideals of wisdom, prosperity, and positive beginnings. It encourages unity and community participation, as people come together to celebrate and immerse the idols in water bodies, invoking blessings for the year ahead.
Ganesh Chaturthi represents tradition, spirituality, and cultural unity in India. The 10-day festival brings joy, devotion, and a sense of togetherness among millions of families every year.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Why is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
A. Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha. It symbolizes the removal of obstaclesfrom our lives and also the start of new beginnings.
Q. Is Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh Utsav same?
A. Yes, Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, is known as Ganesh Utsav or Ganeshotsav
Q. When will we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in 2023?
A. The celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi will commence on 19 September 2023.
Q. When will Ganesh Visarjan be done in 2023?
A. Ganesh Visarjan will be carried out on 28 September 2023.
Q. For how many days can we keep Ganesh idol at home during Ganesh Chaturthi?
A. Devotees can bring Ganpati home for 1.5 days, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, or 10 days (11th day of visarjan).
Q. Can we keep Ganpati for 1 day?
A. Devotees can bring Ganpati home for 1.5 days, 3 days, 7 days, or 10 days.
Q. For how many days do we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
A. Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations span for 10 days, concluding with Ganesha Visarjan.
Q. Which states in India celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi extensively?
A. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with fervor in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Q. How do people worship the idol of Lord Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi?
A. Devotees offer prayers, light diyas, adorn the idol with flowers, distribute prasad, offer bhog (food) to visitors and other perform rituals to invoke the divine presence of Lord Ganesha.
Q. Why is Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi?
A. Lord Ganesha is also known by the name ‘Vinayaka’ and hence it is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi.
Q. What are the rituals associated with Ganesh Chaturthi?
A. The rituals include the installation (sthapana) of the idol, daily prayers, offering prasad, reciting mantras, and finally, the immersion (visarjan) of the idol.
Q. Can non-Hindus also celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
A. Ganesh Chaturthi is an all-embracing festival, and people from all faiths and religions participate in the celebrations. It acts as a cultural bonding for all.
Q. What is the significance of Ganesha Visarjan?
A. Ganesha Visarjan symbolizes the departure of Lord Ganesha while carrying away the troubles and obstacles of devotees.
Q. What are some traditional sweets or foods associated with Ganesh Chaturthi?
A. Modak, a sweet dumpling, is considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite and is a prominent delicacy during the festival.
Q. How do people celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at home?
A. Families install Ganesha idols at home, perform daily prayers, offer prasad, and engage in festive activities.
Q. Is there a specific dress code for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations?
A. Devotees usually wear traditional attire while visiting temples or participating in community celebrations.
Q. What are the environmental concerns related to Ganesh Chaturthi?
A. The immersion of idols made from non-biodegradable materials can lead to pollution
Q. What material should be used for Ganesh Idols?
A. The best Ganesha Idols are those made of clay and are eco-friendly.
Q. What are the most popular names of Lord Ganesha?
A. Lord Ganesha is known by various names including Gajanana, Ekdanta, Siddhi Vinayaka, Vakratunda, and Dhoomraketu.
Q. Is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in other countries as well?
A. Yes, the festival is celebrated by Indian communities around the world, spreading its cultural significance.
Q. Are there any special prayers or chants for Ganesh Chaturthi?
A. Yes, popular mantras like “Om Gan Ganpataye Namah” and “Om Shree Ganeshaye Namah” are chanted during the festival.
Last Updated on September 10, 2023 by lp@admin
