Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Date: Is Ganesh Chaturthi on September 18 or September 19? All About 10-Day Festival

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Date and Timing: Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav, stands as a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and pomp across the country. This festive occasion marks the birth of Lord Ganesha a revered Hindu deity also known as the god of knowledge, wealth, and new beginnings, and the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

In various parts of India, notably in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Goa, Lord Ganesha is held in high esteem as the god symbolising new beginnings, the remover of hindrances, and the deity associated with wisdom and intelligence.

Lord Ganesh is known by various names such as - Gajanana, Dhoomraketu, Ekdanta, Vakrtunda, Siddhi Vinayaka etc. It is believed that lord Ganesh Chaturthi was born on this auspicious day in the Gregorian month which annually falls in August or September.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Image | Photo: Freepik

Giant Ganesha idols are made and beautiful pandals are decorated to celebrate the festival that goes on for 10 days. On the last day of the festival on Anant Chaturdashi which is also known as Ganesh Visarjan day, the idols are taken out in colorful and musical processions and immersed, traditionally, in water.

ALSO READ: 100+ Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes, Quotes, Images

In recent years, there has been growing awareness about the environmental impact of the festival, particularly the immersion of idols made of non-biodegradable materials. Efforts have been made to promote eco-friendly celebrations by using clay idols and reducing pollution in water bodies.

As Ganesh Chaturthi is around the corner and devotees across the country start preparing for the festival but along with that the question of the correct date for Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 arises. While there might be some confusion regarding the exact date, we are here to provide you with the most accurate information.

Is Ganesh Chaturthi on September 18th or September 19th?

This year, like Raksha Bandhan and Krishna Janmashtami, people are confused about whether the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi begins on September 18th or 19th. Ganesh Chaturthi is observed as the commemoration of Lord Ganesh's birth. On this significant occasion, Lord Ganesh is venerated as the divine embodiment of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. According to scriptures, Lord Ganesh is believed to have been born during the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month. In the present day, Ganesh Chaturthi typically falls in either August or September according to the Gregorian calendar.

In 2023 the 10-day long festival of Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 19th, 2023. According to the Hindu calendar, Vinayak Chaturdashi 2023 will start on Monday, September 18, at 12:39 PM and end at 8:43 PM on Tuesday, September 19. Moreover, if you look at the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat. It will begin at 11:01 AM and will last till 01:28 PM. The duration of the same will be for 02 Hours 27 Min.

People must avoid Moon sightings a day before Ganesha Chaturthi. Thus, to avoid the Moon sighting, from 09:45 AM to 08:44 PM.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Overview

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Ganpati Idol Sthapna Timings

The Sthapna of the Lord Ganesha idol holds immense significance as Lord Ganesha is believed to usher in prosperity and happiness into homes. This year, the auspicious timing of Ganpati idol Sthapna is scheduled for September 19, from 11:07 AM to 01:34 PM, Following the installation, Lord Ganesha will be worshipped with utmost devotion and traditional rituals for ten consecutive days. Finally, on the last day of Anant Chaturdashi, which falls on September 28, 2023, the idol will be ceremoniously immersed in water.

Ganesh Chaturthi history

In Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesh is considered to be the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to the ancient legend, during a moment of intense fury, Lord Shiva beheaded Lord Ganesh. To console the grieving Goddess Parvati, he subsequently replaced the severed head with that of an elephant.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2023: Date And Time For Vinayaka Chaturthi Sthapana And Visarjan

One day when goddess Parvati was going to take a bath, she told Ganesha to guard the door and he was so loyal that when Lord Shiva showed up, he even stopped him from entering. At the time, both didn't know each other. Lord Shiva got really furious and ended up beheading him. When Parvati came out, she lashed out at Lord Shiva and threatened to destroy the universe, if he didn't bring back Ganesha.

Lord Shiva realised his mistake and sent his troops into the forest to get the head of the first animal they saw in the forest. The troops came across an elephant and brought his head which was then placed over Ganesha's body. He also accepted him as his own son. This transformation has led to Lord Ganesh being consistently depicted with an elephant's head, a powerful physique, and four arms. Lord Ganesh, also known by various names like Ekdanta and Lambodara, is worshiped for his ability to alter people's destinies and remove disasters and obstacles from their life paths.

Celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi

The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi has evolved over the centuries. The festival gained popularity in Maharashtra in the 17th century during the reign of the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji. However, in the early 20th century, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi was revitalised and transformed into a public event under the leadership of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent freedom fighter and social reformer. Bal Gangadhar Tilak saw the potential of Ganesh Chaturthi as a platform to bring people together, instill a sense of unity and patriotism, and promote social reform. He encouraged the installation of public Ganesha idols and organized processions and cultural events during the festival to foster a sense of community.

Why Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for 10 days

Bal Gangadhar Tilak a prominent Indian leader, changed the idea of celebrating the festival from a private one to a grand one to unite Hindus and promote the cause of independence from British rule, so he held a public meeting in Pune wherein he decided that from Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi till Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturdashi (Anant Chaturdashi), Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated to awaken a feeling of togetherness amongst Indians and to help get freedom from British rule.

He also believed that the 10-day festival would provide a common platform for Hindus from all walks of life to come together and celebrate their shared culture.

After that, Ganeshotsav was celebrated all across the country with great fanfare, but it's especially popular in Maharashtra.

From Maharashtra, the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi gradually spread across the country. The famous Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh idol is the pride of Mumbai's Lalbaug during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Puja Vidhi

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Ganesha, the God of wisdom and prosperity. During the festival, devotees perform puja (worship) to Lord Ganesha with great devotion. Here's a basic outline of the Ganesh Chaturthi puja vidhi (rituals). Please note that customs and traditions may vary among different regions and communities, so you may want to adapt these steps accordingly.

- Devotees must wake up early, take a bath and wear nice clean clothes.

- Take a chowki, cover it with red or yellow cloth and place the idol.

- Sprinkle Ganga Jal, Light a diya, Put haldi - kumkum tilak on forehead, offer Laddo or Modak, yellow flower vermillion, Meetha Paan, Paan supari laung, 5 types of dry fruits, 5 types of fruits and cover the head with a beautiful dupatta.

- Decorate the place where the idol is placed with different decorative materials.

- Start Pooja with "Om Gan Ganpataye Namah" Mantra.

- Recite Bindayak Katha, Ganesh Stotram and chant Ganesh Aarti.

- People must do bhajan kirtan during these days.

- These days are considered to be most auspicious and sacred so those who are not able to bring Lord Ganesha at home, can offer prayers by visiting temples and offering laddoos and Durva to the Lord Ganpati.

Do¡¯s and Don¡¯ts to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at home:

Do's for Ganesh Chaturthi 2023:

- Devotees have the flexibility to welcome Lord Ganpati for durations of 1.5 days, 3 days, 7 days, or 10 days.

- As Lord Ganpati is considered an honoured guest, ensure that all offerings, including food, water, and prasad, are presented to Him first.

- Prepare sattvic (pure and wholesome) food for the Lord, and offer it to the idol before partaking in it.

- Select an eco-friendly clay idol for Lord Ganesha, avoiding the use of artificial metallic colors.

- If there is no accessible waterbody nearby, immerse the Ganesha idol within your home, using a drum or a large bucket.

Don'ts for Ganesh Chaturthi 2023:

- During Ganpati Sthapna, both devotees and their family members should refrain from consuming garlic and onions.

- Lord Ganesha should never be left unattended at home; at least one family member should be present with Him.

- Avoid immersing Lord Ganesha without first offering aarti, performing puja, and presenting bhog.

- Adhere to the auspicious Muhurat and avoid any delays in Ganpati sthapna.

- Abstain from the consumption of meat and alcohol throughout the ten-day festival, as it goes against the sanctity of the occasion.

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes 2023

1. May Lord Ganesha bless you with happiness, prosperity, and success on this auspicious day. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2023!

2. Wishing you a year filled with new beginnings and endless opportunities. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2023!

3. May the blessings of Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from your path and fill your life with joy and prosperity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

4. On this Ganesh Chaturthi, may you find the strength to overcome all challenges and achieve your goals. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2023!

5. May Lord Ganesha's divine presence always be with you to guide and protect you. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

6. Sending you heartfelt wishes for a day filled with love, laughter, and the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

7. May this Ganesh Chaturthi bring peace to your heart and harmony to your home. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2023!

8. As you celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, may your life be filled with good fortune and your home be filled with happiness. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

9. On this special day, may Lord Ganesha shower you with wisdom, prosperity, and good health. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

10. May the Lord Ganesha, bless you with boundless joy and fulfillment. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2023!

11. Lord Ganesha will always clear the darkness for us. Just keep the faith. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi.

12. Ganesh Chaturthi blessings to you and your family. May the almighty Lord Ganesha bless you all with good things and perfect health. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi.

13. On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, may Lord Ganesha shower his blessings on you and your family. Wishing you a happy and prosperous celebration!

14. Today is the auspicious day of Lord Ganesha. Celebrate it with the joy of your heart and help people understand the values of Lord Ganesha. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi.

15. Ganpati Bappa Morya! May Lord Ganesha remind you of all the strengths you possess to work harder in life and achieve what you desire. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to you.

16. May you and your loved ones always be surrounded by the love and blessings of Lord Ganesha. Warm wishes on Ganesh Chaturthi to you.

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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