Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the beloved Son of Maa Parvati and Lord Shiva. This sacred day marks the divine birth of Vighnaharta – the Remover of Obstacles, the Lord of Wisdom, Prosperity, and New Beginnings.
On this blessed day, devotees welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes and hearts with great devotion. It is believed that worshipping Maa Parvati’s Son, Lord Ganesha, brings wisdom, removes negativity, and ensures success in all endeavors. The festival symbolizes the victory of wisdom over ignorance and humility over pride.
According to ancient scriptures, Maa Parvati created Lord Ganesha from divine sandalwood paste to guard Her privacy while She bathed. When Lord Shiva returned and was stopped by Ganesha, He, unaware of the truth, beheaded Him in anger. Seeing Maa Parvati’s grief, Lord Shiva revived Ganesha by placing the head of an elephant upon Him and blessed Him as the foremost Deity to be worshipped before all beginnings.
Installation of Ganesha Idols – Beautiful clay idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in homes and temples with chants of “Ganapati Bappa Morya!”
Daily Pujas & Offerings – Devotees perform aarti and offer modak, durva grass, and red flowers to the Lord.
Community Celebrations – Temples and pandals across India come alive with music, devotion, and sacred rituals.
Visarjan – On the final day, the idol is immersed in water with heartfelt prayers, symbolizing Ganesha’s return to Kailash and the cycle of creation and dissolution.
Ganesh Chaturthi usually falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August–September). While it is celebrated across India, the most vibrant festivities can be seen in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
Temples of Maa Parvati and Lord Ganesha around the world also observe special rituals during this time.
