Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, honours Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. Devotees across the country eagerly participate in various rituals, from offering Bhog to performing Puja, seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha for a prosperous and obstacle-free life.
The festival commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles and the God of wisdom and intelligence. This ten-day festival is marked by joy, devotion, and cultural festivities, bringing families and communities together in celebration.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Date: A Unique Observation
This year, Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi, and is expected to be celebrated on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Although there is some uncertainty regarding the exact date due to the overlap of the Chaturthi Tithi, which begins at 3:01 PM on September 6 and ends at 5:37 PM on September 7, Drik Panchang has confirmed the celebration for September 7.
The timing offers devotees ample opportunity to perform the necessary rituals and celebrate the festival with fervour.
Preparation for Ganesh Chaturthi Puja at Home
Preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi often begin weeks in advance, as the festival spans ten days. Here are the essential steps to ensure a smooth and fulfilling Puja at home:
Clean the Home: Start by thoroughly cleaning your home to create a pure and welcoming environment for the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Choose an Auspicious Spot: The idol should be placed in the northeast (Ishaan) corner of your home, considered to bring positivity and prosperity. Purify the area with Ganga water before installing the idol.
Set Up the Idol: Place the idol on a raised platform, covered with a yellow cloth, a colour regarded as sacred.
Decorate the Area: Use Swastik or Om stickers, Rangoli at the entrance, flowers, and a Toran to adorn the area. These decorations enhance the festive atmosphere and create an inviting space for the divine.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Samagri:
To perform Ganesh Puja, several items are required. Here is a checklist of essential materials:
Chowki (Platform): A clean, decorated platform for placing the idol.
Yellow and Red Cloth: Sacred cloth to cover the platform and the idol.
Idol of Lord Ganesha: The central figure for the Puja.
Betel Nut and Betel Leaves: Used in offerings.
Laddoos and Modak: Traditional sweets, especially Modak, Lord Ganesha’s favourite.
Durva Grass: A significant offering to Lord Ganesha.
Coconut and Seasonal Fruits: For offering during the rituals.
Incense Sticks and Lamps: To create a sacred atmosphere.
Kalash (Sacred Pot): Symbolises abundance.
Garland and Flowers: For decorating the idol and the Puja area.
Other Items: Including eyeliner, camphor, turmeric, and vermilion for various rituals.
Ganesh Visarjan 2024: Bidding Farewell to Lord Ganesha
The ten-day festival will culminate with Ganesh Visarjan on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. On this day, devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha by immersing the idols in water, symbolising the cycle of birth, life, and death. The immersion process is performed at specific times, known as Muhurat, to ensure an auspicious send-off.
The timings for Ganesh Visarjan are as follows:
Morning Muhurat: 9:11 AM to 1:47 PM
Afternoon Muhurat: 3:19 PM to 4:51 PM
Evening Muhurat: 7:51 PM to 9:19 PM
Night Muhurat: 10:47 PM to 3:12 AM, September 18
The Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 3:10 PM on September 16 and ends at 11:44 AM on September 17, marking the appropriate time for the Visarjan rituals.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Bhog Offerings to Lord Ganesha
During Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees offer a variety of Bhog items to Lord Ganesha, with Modak being the most popular, as it is believed to be his favourite. Other offerings include Laddoos, Pooran Poli, Kheer, and Supari, all prepared with devotion.
By following these rituals and observing the correct timings, devotees across India can celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with great enthusiasm, seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha for wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles in their lives.
