Ganesh Chaturthi: History, rituals and surprising link with India's freedom movement

According to historical perspective, Ganesh Chaturthi is associated with India's freedom struggle. During British rule, public gatherings and meetings were prohibited. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent freedom fighter, came up with a clever idea to unite people. He initiated public Ganesh Utsav celebrations in Maharashtra for mass gatherings and to unite people with festive fervour.

Under the pretext of religious festivities, they held meetings and discussions, which eventually played a role in India's journey towards Independence. This is how Lokmanya Tilak's Ganesh Utsav became an important part of India's history and freedom movement.

The festival is celebrated with rich cultural traditions and practices in many states. During the start of the festival, people place Ganesha idols on raised platforms either inside their homes or in beautifully-decorated outdoor tents. The worshiping of Lord Ganesh idols begins by performing a ritual called pran pratishtha, which is essentially a consecration ceremony. Then the 'Shodashopachara' puja is performed, a way of paying respect to Lord Ganesha in 16 different ways.

ALSO READ | Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: No idol immersion in Mumbai’s Aarey Colony lakes this year

While Vedic hymns from sacred texts like the Ganesh Upanishad are chanted, the idols are adorned with red sandalwood paste, along with yellow and red flowers. To please Lord Ganesh, offerings of coconut, jaggery and 21 modaks (sweet dumplings) are made since they are considered his favourite food.

As the festival comes to an end on the 10th day, the idols are taken out on a grand procession for immersion in nearby water bodies or sea. This procession is accompanied by the beats of drums, devotional singing, and lively dancing.