Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in our country widely and pompously. It is known by many different names to local people scattered across our cultured nation. It signifies the birth of the son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganapati. It is the auspicious day when Lord Ganesha rendered his presence on us mortals to rid us of our hardship and difficulty. Hence Ganesha is also known by the name Vighna Harta. This means the remover of all obstacles.

Read on to know more about Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ganesh Chathurti Celebrations and Events

The event and celebrations fall during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. This is normally during the months of August to September. It starts on Shukla Chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period) and ends on the day of Anant Chaturdashi, therefore lasting for a period of ten days. These ten days are celebrated elaborately across our country and widely in states like Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat.

Lord Ganesha is considered the lord of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune and hence, is also invoked during the start of auspicious events.

History of Ganesh Chathurti

The powerful and much loved Maharashtrian leader, Lokmanya Tilak, made Ganeshotsav a 'Sarvajanik' (community participation) event. He meant to bring forth masses of all strata's to celebrate and rejoice in the feeling of mutual love for the other human in the presence of the omnipotent Lord Ganesha. And so in many regions there are Mandals and huge make shift tents where humongous sized Ganesh idols are worshipped and then submerged on the day of Ananta Chaturthi.

When taking the idol for immersion, masses of people colored in the spirit of the festival sing and dance and chant:

Ganpati Bappa Morya
Pudhchya Varshee Lavkar ya
Ganpati gele gavala
Chain padena amhala

Roughly translated, this means:
Praise to the Lord Ganpati
Come again soon, next year
Ganpati has now gone to his village
And we are at unrest without his presence.

Widespread Popularity of Ganesh Chaturthi

This festival brings together people and also provides as economic means for skilled artisans. It also has many mythological fables associated with it that are a part of our culture and heritage.

So let us feel proud while we prepare to welcome the Elephant God who is not only celebrated in India but also across the planet. It is also celebrated in the UK and Mauritius, along with all the associated rituals. This includes submerging the tusked idol. So let us paint the next few days with our pride and faith in our culture and religion.

Wishing all of you a wonderful and successful Ganesh Poojan. May the Lord bestow health, wealth and prosperity upon you and your family!

Do you celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi? How do you plan to celebrate it this year? What is the relevance of this festival in your home? To share your views and experiences, click here.