Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024: Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. This festival, which lasts for ten days, culminates in the grand event of Ganesha Visarjan. Lord Ganesha is?known by various names such as - Gajanana, Dhoomraketu, Ekdanta, Vakrtunda, Siddhi Vinayaka etc.?The festival in dedicated to Ganpati Bappa (Lord Ganesh) is celebrated with much pomp and devotion in several states, such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha was born during the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month in the Hindu calendar, which typically corresponds to August-September in the Gregorian calendar. In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7th.
The auspicious time for Vinayak Chaturdashi Puja in 2024 will begin on Friday, September 6th, at 03:01 PM and conclude?with the Ganesh Visarjan at 05:37 PM on Saturday, September 17th. The Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat, which is considered highly favourable, will start at 11:03 AM and last until 01:34 PM, spanning 02 Hours 31 Minutes.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Start Date | ?Saturday, September 7, 2024 |
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Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 End Date | Tuesday, September 17, 2024 |
Ganesh Chaturthi Tithi Starts | September 6, at 3:01 PM? |
Ganesh Chaturthi Tithi Ends | September 7, at 5:37 PM |
Ganesh Puja 2024 Muhurat | 11:03 AM to 1:34 PM |
When is Ganesh Visarjan 2024? | Tuesday, September 17, 2024 |
Significance | Rebirth of Lord Ganesha |
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva gave life to Ganesha after Goddess Parvati created him from the dirt on her body. This festival is widely celebrated across India, bringing together people from different communities and backgrounds.
The origin of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration can be traced back to the Maratha Empire in the 17th century when it was celebrated by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to promote nationalism and unity among his subjects. However, the festival gained widespread popularity during the British colonial era when freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak used it as a platform to bring people together and inspire them to fight for independence.
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, holds immense significance in Hindu culture and spirituality. It is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity, who is revered as the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.?
The festival is observed with great enthusiasm and devotion across India, particularly in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. Ganesh Chaturthi marks the auspicious occasion of Lord Ganesha's birth. According to Hindu mythology, he was created by Goddess Parvati using her own body and breathed life into him.?
He was then appointed as the 'Vighnaharta' or the remover of obstacles. Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of wisdom, intellect, and learning. Devotees seek his blessings for success in their endeavours, education, and new beginnings. His elephant head symbolizes intelligence and his large ears represent the importance of listening. Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that brings communities together. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and people from all walks of life participate in the festivities, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. It promotes unity and harmony among people.?
The festival is not only a religious event but also has cultural and social significance. Families and communities have to come together, share joy, and strengthen bonds. It also provides an opportunity for artisans to showcase their creativity through the making of Ganesha idols. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about the environmental impact of the festival. Many communities now opt for eco-friendly idols made of clay and natural materials, and immerse them in artificial ponds instead of rivers or oceans to minimize pollution. In essence, Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of the divine qualities of Lord Ganesha, a time for spiritual reflection, and an occasion to foster unity, prosperity, and environmental consciousness.
Devotees are advised to follow these rituals for a prosperous Ganesh Chaturthi celebration:
1. Om Gan Ganpataye Namah..!!
2. Om Shree Ganeshaye Namah..!!
3. Om Vakratund Mahakaye Suryakoti Samaprabha,
Nirvighnam Kurumaydev Sarv Karyeshu Sarvada..!!
4. Ekdantaye Vidmahe Vakratundaye,
Dheemahi Tanno Danti Prachodayat..!!
5. Gajananam Bhuta Ganadhi Sevitam
Kapittha Jambu Palasara Bhaksitam |
Uma Sutam Shoka Vinasha Karanam
Namami Vignesvara Pada Pankajam ||
Festival | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 | 27 August 2025 | Wednesday |
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 | 14 September 2026 | Monday |
Ganesh Chaturthi 2027 | 4 September 2027 | Saturday |
Ganesh Chaturthi 2028 | 23 August 2028 | Wednesday |
Q: When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024?
Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7th, 2024.
Q: What is the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. It is observed with great enthusiasm across India and holds cultural, social, and spiritual significance.
Q: How is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public places. Devotees perform prayers, offer sweets, and participate in processions. The festival concludes with the immersion of the idol in water bodies.
Q: What are the rituals associated with Ganesh Chaturthi?
Rituals include the installation of Ganesha idols, offering prayers, reciting mantras, performing aarti, and offering food and sweets to Lord Ganesha. Devotees also engage in cultural programs and processions.
Q: How long does Ganesh Chaturthi last?
Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival, culminating in the immersion of the idol on Anant Chaturdashi.
Q: What are the eco-friendly ways to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
Eco-friendly celebrations include using clay idols, and natural colors, and avoiding harmful materials. Immersing idols in artificial ponds or tanks instead of natural water bodies help minimise pollution.
Q: Can non-Hindus participate in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations?
Yes, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with inclusivity and welcomes people from all faiths to participate in the festivities.
Q: What is the significance of the immersion of Ganesha idols?
The immersion, known as Visarjan, symbolisaes the cycle of creation and dissolution. It represents the temporary nature of life and the return of Lord Ganesha to his celestial abode.
Q: How can one perform Ganesh Chaturthi puja at home?
Puja at home involves cleaning the house, setting up a puja area, installing the idol, offering prayers, and performing aarti. Devotees can follow specific rituals and mantras for a successful puja.
Q: What are the traditional foods offered during Ganesh Chaturthi?
Modak, a sweet dumpling, is the most popular offering during Ganesh Chaturthi. Other traditional foods include laddoos, kheer, puran poli, and various sweets.
Q: What are the different names of Lord Ganesha?
Lord Ganesha is known by various names such as Vinayaka, Vighnaharta, Gajanana, Ekdanta, Vakrtunda, and Siddhi Vinayaka, among others.
Q: How does Ganesh Chaturthi promote environmental awareness?
The use of eco-friendly materials, immersion in artificial ponds, and awareness campaigns promote environmental consciousness during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Q: Can Ganesh Chaturthi be celebrated outside India?
Yes, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in many countries outside India, especially where there are significant Hindu communities.
Q: What is the significance of Ganesh Visarjan?
Ganesh Visarjan marks the end of the festival and symbolises the departure of Lord Ganesha. It is a time for devotees to bid farewell and seek his blessings for the next year.
(Date & Timings Source:?Drikpanchang)
(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)
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