Now all the Hindus across the globe on their toes and enthusiastically waiting for the arrival of Ganesha Chaturthi to welcome elephant headed Lord Ganesha, which falls on 17th September, 2015. People are busy engaged in the preparation for worshipping, erecting pandals and buying materials etc. Ganesha Chaturthi or Ganesha Chowthi is coming every month. But why this particular Ganesh Chaturthi, being celebrated which falls on Shukla Chaturthi of the Hindu month of Badra (generally falls between August and September) is given so much of importance and being celebrated by Hindus with a great enthusiasm, devotion and fervour ?
The Story behind Ganesh Chaturthi:-
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the major festivals celebrated in India and abroad by Hindus with great enthusiasm and devotion. The festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha; the Lord of knowledge, wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. The festival is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi. This day, observed as one of the most auspicious in the Hindu religion, is widely celebrated especially in the state of Maharashtra.
History:-
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi finds its origin in the Maratha reign, with Chatrapati Shivaji starting the festival. The belief lays in the story of the birth of Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Although there are various stories attached to his birth, the one most relevant is shared here. Goddess Parvati was the creator of Ganpati. She, in the absence of Lord Shiva, used her sandalwood paste to create Ganesha and put him to guard while she had gone for bathing. While she was gone, Lord Shiva got into a fight with Ganesha as he did not allow him to enter, as per his mother`s orders. Enraged, Lord Shiva cut off Ganesha`s head. When Parvati saw this sight, she took the form of Goddess Kali and threatened to destroy the world. This worried everyone and they requested Lord Shiva to find a solution and calm the rage of Goddess Kali. Shiva then ordered all his followers to immediately go and find a child whose mother has her back towards her child in negligence and bring his head. The first child seen by the followers was that of an elephant and they, as ordered, cut his head and brought to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva immediately placed the head on Ganesha`s body and brought it to life again. The rage of Maa Kali was calmed and Goddess Parvati was overwhelmed, once again. All the Lords blessed Ganesha and the day is today celebrated for the same reason.
Celebration:-
Ganesh Chaturthi preparations commence from almost a month before the festival. The celebrations last for around ten days (from Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to Ananta Chaturdashi). On the first day a clay idol of Lord Ganesha is installed in homes. Homes are decorated with flowers. Temples witness the visit of large number of devotees. Poojas are performed and bhajans are chanted. Often, families gather together to celebrate the festival. Localities organize and arrange for pandals and install large idols of Lord Ganesha to celebrate the festival with friends and family. On the final day of the celebrations, the idol of Lord Ganesha is taken on the streets. People exhibit their enthusiasm and joy in the form of dancing and singing on the streets along with the idol. The idol is finally immersed in the river or sea. The day witnesses a large number of devotees expressing their happiness and offering their prayers.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja:-
Ganesha puja starts from installing a clay idol of Lord Ganesha in your home. Various dishes are cooked for offering. The idol is given a bath with pure water and then decorated with flowers. Jyoti is lit and then the aarti begins. Various bhajans and mantras are chanted at this time. It is believed that chanting the mantras with complete devotion brings or invoking life to the idol. It is also believed that during this period, Ganesha visits the home of his devotees and bring prosperity and good fortune with him. For the same reason the day is observed as a very auspicious day.
Festival Dishes
Although there are a large number of sweets offered to Lord Ganesha during the puja, but Modak is known to be the lord`s favorite sweet and is therefore one of the main dishes made on this day. Other dishes include Karanji, laddu, barfi and peda
Significance of Chaturthi Vrat and Puja:-
It is believed that by observing Vrat (fasting) or performing Puja on Chaturthi is highly rewarding, brings material progress, happiness and fulfillment of desires. It also removes obstacles coming in our way, create favorable situations for our success, bring knowledge, wealth and prosperity. This is why Lord Ganesh is also called as “Siddivinayaka”-fulfillment of our desires and “Vigneshwara”-removal of obstacles.
Even on other auspicious occasions, maybe it is marriage,Havans,Homas,Poojas,House warming, Foundation stone laying programme,first thing what we do is to Pray Lord Ganesh to avoid any bad,evil things, obstacles or consequences in our works,projects,functions and bring success. This is the belief and tradition what we follow.
Those who are unable to worship Lord Ganesha on a daily basis must worship Him on Chaturthi. It provides more powerful benefits.
Chanting mantra “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha” helps in fulfillment of all desires.
Take fresh spiritual resolves and pray to Lord Ganesha for inner spiritual strength to attain success in all your undertakings.
May the blessings of Sri Ganesha be upon you all! May He remove all the obstacles that stand in your spiritual path! May He bestow on you all material prosperity as well as liberation!
Attention: – Radio Big Hum FM has been trying its best for the past eight years to create awareness about “Go Green Ganesha “by using only natural materials for the preparation of Ganesha idols and save the environment.
Normally we bring the idols from the market prepared by so many colored chemicals,materials,install at our houses, worship and on the last day of worship we take the idol in procession with so much of enthusiasm,chantings,devotion,dances and finally immerse in the well or in the sea water or river. The colour of the idols spoils the water and pollutes the environment. In order to save the environment from the pollution, use only idols prepared by natural items.
“WISHING ALL KANNADIGA WORLD READERS A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS GANESH CHATURTHI”
Shekhar Moily
