“Ala re ala Ganpati Bappa ala”! Doesn’t this make you jump from your bed and dance your heart out in the welcome of Ganpati Bappa? The level of zeal and sanctity of people during Ganesh Chaturthi in India is unsurpassable. It is one of the prominent festivals celebrated extravagantly in Maharashtra, Gujrat, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, and expanding to other parts of India, the United States, Canada, and many South Asian countries. The bells of Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 are going to ring from the 7th of September to the 16th of September 2024.
Let me give you a beautiful and pious voyage to Ganesh Chaturthi in India and a compendious study about this festival.
What Is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi, is celebrated with great pomp and show by the Hindus in the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu calendar. The exuberant and divine festival is marked as the birth anniversary of the youngest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati- Lord Ganesh. Ganesh Chaturthi in India is a ten-day-long extravaganza and rendezvous festival every year that ends on the fourteenth day of the waxing moon period or Anant Chaturdashi.
This festival has been celebrated since the time of Shivaji but slowly lost its patronage in 1818. Later in the 19th century, it gained immense popularity when Lokmanya Tilak encouraged domestic festival celebrations that grew into well-recognized national festivals. Every year, a wide range of devotees from all over the world visit India to witness the grandeur of this festival.
What Are The Religious Beliefs Related To Ganesh Chaturthi?
The Hindu deity Lord Ganesha is believed to be the god of beginnings, wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Vighnaharta is one of the names of Lord Ganesha, and hence before the initiation of any new beginning, we worship him to remove all the obstacles.
On the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the devotees are cautioned not to see the moon. It is a religious belief that the person who sees the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi happens to create Mithya Dosh or a false accusation of stealing a valuable jewel. This tenet arose from Lord Krishna, who was believed to be cursed because of it.
How Is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated In India?
Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated with great fervor and mirth in India. The preparations for the welcome of Bappa start weeks before Ganesh Chaturthi. People make Ganesh idols and paint them with beautiful and vibrant colors, embellish their homes with resplendent Ganpati decorations, and prepare luscious sweets.
The outset of Ganesh Chaturthi in India is marked by the installation of Ganesh idols in grand radiant pandals and chanting of mantras by a priest known as Pranapratishhtha, followed by a 16-step ritual – Shodashopachara Puja. Then, piquant offerings like modak, shrikhand, coconut rice, motichoor ladoo, payasam, and many other Ganesha’s favorite delicacies are offered to him. These seven days are celebrated with tremendous joy and devotion. The devotees whirl in devoutness of God Ganesha and sing various Ganesh hymns.
Finally, on the 10th day of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, Uttarpuja takes place, bidding farewell to Bappa. This ritual is followed by Ganesh Visarjan, in which the statue of Lord Ganesha is immersed in water. Then, the devotees carry the idols of Ganesha in embellished vehicles playing blaring hymns and Bollywood songs and chanting the slogan, “Ganpati Bappa Moraya.” They bid a revered farewell with hope in their hearts that Bappa will come to their homes next year too, with more pomp and joy.
What Is The Significance Of Anant Chaturdashi?
Anant Chaturdasi 2024 is one of the most significant days of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. This is the purest day to worship Lord Visnu and Lord Ganesha. Devotees observe an all-day fast and tie a holy thread during the pooja that protects them from the evil eye.
Anant Chaturdashi is observed on the 10th day of Ganesh Chaturthi. The people who installed the idols at their home perform Ganesh Visarjan on the propitious day of Anant Chaturdasi.
It is believed that Lord Ganesha steps his holy feet at our home on the day first day of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival and stays till 10 days. Then on the 10th day, i.e., Anant Chaturdasi, he retraces his steps towards his heavenly abode, thus completing the festival or Ganesh Mahotsav.
Jains observe Paryushana in the last days of Anant Chaturdasi. On Kshamavani, the day after Anant Chaturdasi, Jains seek forgiveness for the past sins they committed knowingly or unknowingly. Hence, it’s called Micchami Dukkadam.
How To Celebrate Eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi?
Amid the extravagant decorations and celebrations of the traditional festival- Ganesh Chaturthi, we often forget our duties and responsibilities towards mother nature. Ironically, on one side we call this a traditional festival, and on the other side, we celebrate non-traditionally by using thermocol, plastics, and many more such items.
So why not celebrate in a traditional and eco-friendly way?
Here are some ways to make and enjoy Green Ganesh Chaturthi.
1. A Clay Idol
Clay is an eco-friendly and biodegradable material. Idols made with clay turn out to be much more beautiful than any painted idol and gives a traditional charm to your Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. You can place your clay idols on a quaint decorated corner for ten days. Then, on Anant Chaturdasi, immerse the idol in your backyard in a tree and receive his blessings year long. You can even submerge it in the river guilt-free as the Ganesh idol has no harmful color or any toxic material used to mold the idol.
2. Cow-Dung Idol
How often have you heard that cow-dung is a rich and environmentally sound fertilizer for plants? Each year, millions of Lord Ganesha’s idols are immersed in the river. If you, in your capacity, can do something for mother nature, shouldn’t you grab this opportunity? Cow-dung idols are the most sacred and traditional way to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. These are perfect for immersion and will help in the growth of plants.
3. Chocolate Idol
It is one of the most innovative and yummiest ways of celebrating eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi 2024. You can prepare an idol of chocolate, and on the final day, immerse it in milk. This chocolate milk can be distributed among the devotees as prasad.
4. Artificial Tanks
People are following this practice for the past few years. Even if idols are made of non-biodegradable material, you can save the environment by immersing the idols in artificial immersion tanks. So this would be eco-friendly and won’t harm nature.
5. Eco-friendly Decoration
Rather than embellishing your homes with plastic decoration items and lights, opt for eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi decoration. Make use of natural and fresh flowers, leaves, and diyas to decorate your homes and pandals. Add a traditional touch to your decoration by making divine rangolis from natural and vibrant colors. You can even make bandhanwars at home with leaves, flowers, thread, and clothes rather than buying those plastic ones from the market.
What Sweets Are Offered To Lord Ganesha During Ganesh Chaturthi Festival?
Any Indian festival is undone without a bowl of palatable delicacies, and Ganesh Chaturthi is no different. Devotees prepare bhog or prasad for their beloved God, Ganesha, for the duration of 10-days of the blissful Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
If you are in search of some luscious sweets to please Bappa this Ganesh Chaturthi, here’s an end to your search.
Here is a popular list of the bhog recipes that you can prepare for Ganesh Chaturthi 2024.
1. Modak
Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet is considered Modaks. Owing to his love for modak, he is also called Modakpriya in the scriptures. Hence, on the first day of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, modaks are offered to the deity as bhog. You can make an array of delicious sweetmeats like fried modaks, steamed modaks, dry-fruit modaks, chocolate modaks, and many more.
2. Satori
Satori is a famous Maharashtrian sweet roti. It is one of the most loved delicacies during festivals. A rich palatable sweet made from khoya, ghee, besan, milk will melt into your mouth like magic. So this Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, do give this savory dish a try!
3. Puran Poli
Many of you might be acquainted with the name of this piquant and heavenly sweet, Puran Poli. For those who are new to this name, Puran Poli is a flatbread made of maida stuffed with sweet lentils and jaggery. Any auspicious Maharashtrian festival is undone without preparing Puran Poli. On one of these days of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, people offer bhog of Puran Poli to Bappa and seek his blessings.
4. Coconut Rice
It is the famous offering to the divine being in South India and makes one of the most piquant bhogs offered to Lord Ganesha during the Ganesh Chaturthi puja. Coconut rice is prepared by soaking white rice in coconut milk and cooking with coconut flakes.
5. Shrikhand
Shrikhand is a divine Indian sweet dish popular across Maharashtra and Gujrat. It is made of strained yogurt, topped with chunky nuts and raisins. This Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, please your beloved Ganapati Bappa with his perennial favorite delicacy, Shrikhand.
6. Rava Pongal
Rava Pongal is a rich and delectable breakfast snack made in South India. It is prepared with a dollop of ghee, moong daal, sooji and topped with flavourful and vibrant seasonings. The Pongal is an absolute treat to cherish during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
7. Payasam
No offerings to deities are complete without India’s favorite festive treat – Payasam. It is a traditional South Indian kheer prepared with rice in milk, jaggery, and cardamom. This Ganesh Chaturthi festival offer your deity interesting innovations of Paryasam such as Pineapple Payasam and Carrot Payasam, etc.
What are the famous Ganapati Pandals in Mumbai, Maharashtra?
If you plan to visit Mumbai on the Ganesh Chaturthi festival 2024, you must swing by some of the famous Ganapati pandals that will leave you amazed.
Take a gander at the list of some of the must-visit pandals in Mumbai, Maharashtra, during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh Pandal
Established in 1934, Lalbaugcha Ganapati pandal in Mumbai is the pick of the bunch. It is an unmissable pandal to visit during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Lord Ganpati was established as Navasacha Ganpati, the one who accomplishes all your wishes. The Kambli family fabricated the sculpture. Zillions of devotees from all the world visit this grandiose pandal to seek Bappa’s sanctified blessings. It is locally centered in Mumbai and is easy for anyone to reach by road or local Mumbai trains.
Location: Lalbaug, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012, India
– Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti, Andher
It is one of the grand and preeminent pandals which was established in the year 1996 and, since then, the Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated here with great pomp and show. The Ganpati idol installed at this pandal is known as “Andhricha Raja,” king of Andheri. It is the best and must-visit pandal to rejoice Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai.
Location: Azadnagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti, Ganesh Maidan, Azad Nagar II, Veera Desai Rd, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
– Fort Vibhag Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Circle
If you wish to make your Ganesh Chaturthi celebration 2024 an extra special one, filled with lots of enjoyment, then you should visit this pandal. Lord Ganesha established in this pandal is known as Fortcha Icchapurti or wish-fulfilling Ganesha. It is run by one of the greatest devotees of Bappa, Ravi Sauve. The exquisite Ganesh Chaturthi decorations and artworks of this pandal give it an edge over other pandals of Mumbai.
Location : Lalbaug market, GD Goenka Road
– Girgaoncha Raja
It is one of the oldest Ganesh Chaturthi pandals in Mumbai, and this year it will celebrate the 93rd Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Out of the many Ganesh pandals in Mumbai, the sumptuousness of this one is a top-drawer. The grandeur and glory of this pandal have even caught the sight of our honorable prime minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, who mentioned this pandal in “Mann ki Baat.”So, keep this pandal in your checklist for Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja 2024. One of the noteworthy elements of this pandal is that here Ganesh Mahotsav is celebrated in an eco-friendly manner.
Location: Nikadwari Ln, Kotachi Wadi, Ambewadi, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
– GSB Seva Mandal
This popular Ganapati pandal in Maharashtra will celebrate 67th Ganesh Chaturthi pooja 2024. It is famous for its valuable Ganesh idols and lavish decorations. This year keeping in mind the Covid guidelines, poojas will be booked online, and the celebration will be for five days.
Don’t miss your window!
Location: Bhookailash Nagar Near Sion Fort, Sion East, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400022
Which Are The Popular Ganesh Temples In India To Visit During Ganesh Chaturthi 2024?
– Ashtavinayak Temple in Pune, Maharashtra
The Moreshwar Temple in Morgaon, Siddhivinayek Temple in Ahmednagar, Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali, Varad Vinayak Temple in Mahad, Chintamani Temple in Theur, Girijatmaj Temple in Lenyadri, Vighnahar Temple in Ozar, and Mahaganapati Temple in Ranjangaon are the notable eight temples in Pune where you can experience the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival.
– Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, Maharashtra
It is one of the popular temples in India, located in Prabhadevi in Mumbai. This temple has an eye-catching idol of Lord Ganesha, a small hall with a gold-plated sanctum, carved images of Ashtavinayak, and Hanuman temple. This temple witnesses a large footfall of Bollywood celebrities, business tycoons, and politicians at the time of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Thus, you will experience high security during the 10 days of Ganesh Chaturthi pooja.
– Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
One of the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha was built in the 19th century by the Cholas. It is located in Chittor, which is 58 kilometers from Hyderabad. This temple experience a huge gala fair at the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
– Karpaka Vinayakar Temple in Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu
Built in the 19th century, the Karpaka Vinayakar Temple, also known as Pillaiyarpatti Pillaiyar temple in Tirupattur, is one of the ancient temples of India.
It is a rock-cut cave dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated gloriously, and you can even witness several cultural programs.
How Is Ganesh Chaturthi Festival Celebrated Outside India?
With thousands of Indians residing in every corner of the country, this festival is global now. The Ganesh Chaturthi festival in various countries apart from India is celebrated with love, colors, exuberance, and festive dishes.
Let me give you a pilgrimage to the countries where the Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated with enthusiasm and liveliness.
– Mauritius
Since 1982, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in Mauritius by the local Hindu community. The Hindus constitute 52% of the total population on this Island.
Strikingly, the first day of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival is a public holiday in Mauritius. Though it is not a large-scale celebration, people visit regional temples or celebrate at their homes. Glorious Ganesh idols made out of mud are established at temples and homes, and devotees offer aarti, prasad and perform traditional dances on the auspicious ten days of Ganesh Mahotsav.
– Canada
Toronto, the capital of Canada, is highly populated with Indian residents who bring Lord Ganesha from their homes in India. The Indian residents of this place make the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration grandeur by coming together, singing aartis, and preparing delicious prasad. Though far from their nation, yet they continue to follow the typical Indian culture during festivals.
– USA
With a large community of Indians residing in the USA, this place witnesses a grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Thousands of people gather to witness this divine festival, and the celebration continues till the 11th day. Lord Ganesh’s idol is imported from Mumbai, and the grand pooja features aarti, dance, music, and cultural performances.
– United Kingdoms
The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in Hounslow, the principal town in London. Bappa is welcomed here on a large scale by more than 500 people every year. First, the idol is placed at Laxmi Narayan Temple, followed by divine aarti, palatable delicacies, dance, and much more. The festival ends with the immersion of the idol in the Thames, followed by hundreds of devotees, police protection, and volunteers to ensure people’s security.
Obviously, this list is not exhaustive; Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with glee and triumph worldwide.
What Are The Best Ganesh Chaturthi Decoration Ideas For Home And Office?
Ganesh Chaturthi is around the corner. People start planning the Ganesh Chaturthi decoration a month or two in advance. You might have also begun with the decorations at home and office. If not yet, then here are some enthralling and simple tips for Ganesh Chaturthi decoration 2024.
1. Pop Up Greenery
Yes! This Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 go green. One can never go wrong with natural and green decorations. You can gather all the plants near Lord Ganesh’s idol and make a viridescent home for your Bappa. You can even give it a bohemian look by placing stylish metal planters or hand-painted planters. It will not only add an aesthetic touch to the decor but impregnate fresh air and positive vibes in your home.
2. Embellish the walls
DIYs and eco-friendly decorations are extremely a la mode these days. Why not go with wall paintings this Ganesh Chaturthi 2024? Sounds stupendous, right? Opt for some artistic and unique Ganesh wall frames to infuse a bonny look to your walls. These wall frames will surely dispense spiritual vibes to your homes
3. Invest in worthy pooja chowki or home temples
Ganesh Chaturthi decoration and pooja are incomplete without an alluring and divine chowki or home temple. These are available in an array of designs and styles to add an attractive look to your Lord’s beauty. Always choose the chowki and temple size according to your home interiors.
4. Use adorning candles, diyas, and lights
Lights are the essential elements of Indian festivals. The lights brace up the space and give a sparkle look to the decor. You can illuminate your home temple with diyas, lamps, and fragrant candles. Try using colorful lamps, hand-decorated diyas, and candles to give your living space a vibrant and exceptionally fantastic decor.
5. Flower Decoration
Flowers are the charismatic and enthralling aspect of decoration. You can hang a string of fresh flowers in any part of your house or in front of the Ganpati idol. A string of Carnation flowers always looks elegant in homes. The Hibiscus flower is a famous offering to Lord Ganesha. You can lay a bunch of fresh flowers on Lord Ganesha’s feet with a bunch of diyas.
What Are The Safety Measures To Follow During The Ganesh Chaturthi Festival 2024?
The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is a ten-day-long extravaganza celebration. Thousands of devotees gather together to worship Ganesha, witness the decorations, and seek his holy blessings. However, owing to the pandemic, there are few guidelines and safety measures that we strictly need to adhere to while celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi 2024.
- Do not step out of your house without a mask. It is advisable to wear an N95 mask made of soft, breathable material and multiple layer filtration systems and can be washed easily and reused.
- Avoid going to social places for idol immersions and, if possible, perform idol immersion at home.
- For safety reasons, small children and senior citizens must avoid going to the immersion sites.
- Use cleaners and disinfectants to sanitize your homes and pandals regularly.
- Maintain maximal hygiene and cleanliness in your surroundings.
- Most importantly, follow all the guidelines issued by the Government.
Every corner of the world gets filled with devotion and verve during the ten days of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Whether it is in Indian or the other parts of the world, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with full zest and fidelity.
Did you enjoy the voyage to the glorious celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi? Undoubtedly, you all might have begun with Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 preparations. So, drop in the comment box and tell us how you celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with your friends and family. Also, let us know your favorite sweet of this festival.
Keep reading and stay tuned for more intriguing blogs.
We from Bydevumm wish you a happy, safe, and blessed Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganpati Bappa Morya!
