Symbolizing peace, harmony, wisdom, prosperity, good luck, and happiness, Lord Ganesh, who is known by 108 different names, is worshipped with great devotion and respect. And to commemorate the birthday of our beloved Ganpati Bappa, a great number of devotees all over the world celebrate a 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival with eco-friendly Ganesh idols. Called the God of science, wisdom, knowledge, and wealth, Lord Ganpati is the younger son of Lord Shankar and Goddess Parvati.
This lavish, rich, and outstanding celebration for 10 long days, beginning with the Ganesh Chaturthi on 19th September 2023, ends on the Anant Chaturthi, which is the 29th of September 2023. Accompanied by Dhol Tasha, processions, preparing sweets, and attractive decorations, this auspicious festival comes with its own importance and history.
History of Ganesh Chaturthi
This gala public celebration was first held at the time of the Maratha ruler, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, so as to fight against the Mughals and encourage sentiments of nationalism. Later on, in 1893, the famous freedom fighter, and Indian nationalist leader, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, also promoted the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. To unite both the Brahmins and the Non-Brahmins, he changed the idea of celebrating this festival from a private one to a grand one, so as to unite and come together against the Britishers.
So let us worship our beloved Ganpati Bappa with complete devotion and ask for his blessings that will help us to get rid of problems, and keep our families protected from all harm. Spread not just happiness and positivity around us, but also spread the true meaning and importance of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi to your children, who are our future.
Importance of Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi
Symbolizing the beginning of auspiciousness and happiness, Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival celebrated publicly and privately as well. Moreover, many devotees get eco-friendly Ganesha idols for their homes depending on the tradition of their family and the level of commitment of every single individual. Some families celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi for one and half days, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, or even 10 days, and make every single day special and amazing in its own way.
It is also said that the idol of Lord Ganesha is to be kept in the house for only 10 days and not more than that. Though keeping the idol for a maximum number of days may seem like a cute and wonderful idea, the power and energy infused into the idol over 10 days is extremely unbearable for humans.
Devotees should worship and invoke him for 10 days and get his blessings, and then immerse the idol on Anant Chaturthi. Visarjan is the significance of the birth cycle of the elephant-head Lord Ganesha, who was created by Maa Parvati from the clay of her body. This is the time when Lord Ganesha is seen off with heavy hearts, where the devotees say "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya", which means "GoodBye Lord for now, please come back next year".
Story of Ganesh Chaturthi
Lord Ganesha, who is the youngest son of Lord Shankar and Goddess Parvati, is commemorated on Ganesh Chaturthi, the day on which Ganpati Bappa was born. It so happened that Maa Parvati once asked this little boy (Ganpati) to stand by the door while she was bathing and not let anyone inside until she finished. Soon after, Lord Shankar arrived at the same place and tried to enter the restricted area where the little boy stood.
Furthermore, Lord Shankar’s path was barred by the boy, which angered the former and resulted in him beheading the latter’s head. On knowing the incident, Mata Parvati was enraged and soon ordered Lord Shankar to bring back the boy to life. So, Lord Shiva immediately sent his Ganas to bring back the head of the first creature they would find on their way. However, the Ganas found the elephant head, which was then fixed to the child’s body. And this is how Lord Ganesha was brought back to life and was celebrated as the revival of his elephant head form.
It was here that Lord Shankar named the little boy Ganpati, ‘the leader of Ganas’. Hence, Lord Ganesha, who is also known by the name Vighnaharta, is worshipped before commencing any venture or ritual. Also, worshipped by Gods and Goddesses, Lord Ganpati removes the obstacles in the path and the progression of evil that hinder or block your progress. So, get ready for Ganesh Chaturthi this year.
Related Links:-
- Step-By-Step Guide to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi Puja at Home
- Importance Of Eco-Friendly Ganesha
- How To Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?