Ganesh Chaturthi is an auspicious occasion which is celebrated to mark Lord Ganesh's birthday. The festival holds immense significance for Hindus as Lord Ganesh is known as the ‘Vighna Harta’, one who removes all obstacles in life.
According to Hindu mythology, it’s believed that Lord Ganesh was born on Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. That’s why every year, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada as per the Hindu calendar, which generally corresponds to August or September.
This year Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chaturthi will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 19.
The celebrations begin on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of the Bhadrapada month and ardent devotees celebrate the festival in the most vibrant manner.
On Vinayak Chaturthi, people bring Ganesh idols and establish them at their households or pandals and worship God with complete devotion. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Ganesh will bring prosperity and will keep all problems away. Ganesh Chaturthi is therefore celebrated in a grand manner almost all over India, especially in Maharashtra.
How are states preparing for Ganesh Chaturthi 2023?
Maharashtra: Maharashtrians are indeed the most excited to celebrate their Lord Ganpati's birthday and the state is already into a celebration mode. In Maharashtra, Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganpati festival is observed for 10 days from the installation of the Ganesh idol to visarjan. Different Ganesh Mandals install huge idols and erect spectacular pandals. The huge idol of Lalbaugcha Raja, which is known as the most popular Ganesh idol in Mumbai, was unveiled on Friday, September 15.
Tamil Nadu: Devotees visit various temples in Tamil Nadu during Ganesh Chaturthi and the Ganesh idols are worshipped by performing special pujas and aartis at home. Like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu also witnesses grand celebrations at puja pandals. A day before Ganesh Habba, Gauri Habba is celebrated wherein Goddess Gauri, Lord Ganesh's mother, is worshipped.
Karnataka: While Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in a grand manner, Karnataka hosts a ritualistic and traditional celebration. In Karnataka as well, the celebrations will start a day early with the worship of Goddess Gauri. The day after, simple yet grand celebrations will ensue and people will savour Lord Ganesh's favourite sweets, such as modakam, payasam, and gojju. Further, devotees will establish Lord Ganesh and Goddess Gauri's idols to offer their prayers.
Andhra Pradesh: Lord Ganesh's festival is celebrated with extreme joy in Andhra Pradesh too. The state will see massive pandals and huge Ganesh idols being installed. Moreover, as usual, devotees will be seen preparing dishes like undrallu and kudumulu to offer to Lord Ganesh as prasad.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
