Vinayaka Chaturthi 17th Sep 2015

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is an Indian festival that marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha. This auspicious festival is observed in the month of Bhadra (mid August-mid September) according to the Hindu calendar.

Ganesha, one of the most beloved gods is known by 108 different names in our culture. He is considered to be a symbol of good fortune, wisdom, prosperity and wealth.

This festival is celebrated with extreme devotion and joy in many states of India and even outside the country. Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala,Tamil Nadu are some of the cities that have been home to these celebrations since ages. With Ganesh Chaturthi just a day away, we bring you the history and different traditions and rituals that are practiced during the Ganesh Utsav.

Requirements

A Clay image of Lord Ganesha.

Red flowers

Druva Grass blades

Modak (jaggery filled sweet)

Coconut

Red chandan (Sandalwood paste)

Incense and agarbathis

The Pooja

First clean the house and take a bath.

A Clay image of Lord Ganesha is installed in a raised platform.

Pray to Lord Ganesh and you can recite mantras or bhajans dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Next step is to invoke Ganesha into the image. This is known as pran-prathishta. The Pran Prathista mantra in Sanskrit to be invoked is found in the Rig Veda and is part of Ganesh Suktha.

‘Ganpati Bappa Morya' a common chanting that evokes the feelings of devotees is commonly heard during celebrations.

This festival not only involves prayers, but also takes in account the time for cultural activities like dancing, singing, orchestra and theatre performances. A lot of community activities are also a part of the celebrations.

 While performing Ganesha Pooja at home, you can always be flexible. The strict rituals are meant for Vedic priests. All you need to be careful is to perform the pujas with a clean body and clean mind.

What is more important is devotion not the ritual.

Try to be simple. Concentrate on your prayers not on decoration and other ritualistic details.

Here are some of the most unique Ganesh idols which will make this Ganesh Chaturthi innovative:

Ganpati is after all a popular God. His blessings are invoked at most religious ceremonies as He is the one who can remove all obstacles to success. He is the giver of fortune and can help to avoid natural calamities.

Wish you a Happy and a Blessed Ganesh Chaturthi 2015!