Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Find out all the details inside

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a sacred 10-day festival that marks the birth of Lord Ganesha. Being the younger son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the deva of wisdom and prosperity is known by 108 different names and is the lord of arts and science.

During this period, the Vighnaraja, made up of eco-friendly Ganesh clay, was placed in homes, temples and temporary pavilions, aka pandals. Following installation, the decorated clay idols of Lord Ganadhishaya were worshipped in various rites and ceremonies by priests or homeowners. Later, after ten days, the festival ends with Ganesh idol immersion (Visarjan) in lakes, rivers, or the ocean. So, if you desire to welcome Lord Ganesh into your home this year, we have got you covered.

Here, let's delve into the article and find out everything from the date to the prayer chants, making your year filled with good fortune.

Ganesh Festival 2024: Dates and Timings

According to Hindu mythology, the auspicious day begins on the fourth day of the waxing moon period (Shukla Chaturthi) in the Hindu lunar month Bhadrapad, which typically corresponds to August or September in the Georgian calendar. In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi rituals will commence on Friday, September 6th, at 3:01 P.M. and conclude at 5:37 P.M. on September 7th, Saturday. In addition, the Ganesh Visarjan for 2024 is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17th. Therefore, the year 2024 will see Vinayaka Chavithi being celebrated on Saturday, September 7th.

History and Significance of the Day

According to Hindu mythology, the origin of the day can be traced back to the 17th century of the Maratha Empire. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj observed the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration to encourage people to unite and become more patriotic. However, the festival gained widespread prominence in 1893 when freedom fighter Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak laid the groundwork for it to bring people together and inspire them to be a part of the independence movement.

In fact, the occasion's significance in Hindu culture and spirituality cannot be overlooked.

As mentioned above, it is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Gajanana, our beloved elephant-headed deity, who is venerated as the deva of wisdom and prosperity. Additionally, the festival is observed with great enthusiasm and devotion by the Hindu diaspora across the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia (to name a few), and especially India.

Furthermore, Lord Ganesha, also known as Pratham Pujya, or the first worshipped god, is a vital part of any puja ritual. If he is not worshipped first, rituals and actions might be hindered. Additionally, before starting any task, chanting Ganpati Ji's name certainly ensures success.

The Story Behind the Birth of Lord Ganesha

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Pramodaya was created by the goddess Parvati, who breathed life into him. The creation was not inadvertent but stemmed from her feelings of treachery when she commanded Nandi, the deity Shiva's bull, to guard the entrance while she bathed, and he allowed Lord Shiva to pass.

Later, after removing a turmeric paste from her body, she formed Ganesh Ji and declared him to be her devoted son. He was then appointed Vighnaharta or Obstacle Remover.

Things to keep in mind: Puja Rituals and Mantras

• Wake up early, bathe and wear clean clothes.
  
• Place the idol and offer prayer and various items, including Ganga Jal (sacred water), diya (lamp), haldi-kumkum tilak (auspicious mark), Laddo or Modak (sweet dumplings), flowers, and fruits.
• Adorn the idol's surroundings with decorative accents to create a hospitable and visually pleasing environment.
• Commence the puja with Ganesh Chaturthi songs and mantras:

⇒Om Gan Ganpataye Namah..!!

⇒Om Shree Ganeshaye Namah..!!

⇒Om Vakratunda Mahakaye Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kurumaye Dev Sarva Kareyshu Sarvada..!!

• Break your fast by offering water to God and eating sattvik food.

It is also believed that one should avoid seeing the moon depending on the start and end times of Chaturthi tithi. On this day, sighting the moon can lead to Mithya Dosham, also known as Mithya Kalank, which is the false charge of stealing.

Furthermore, chanting the mantra listed below can break the curse if someone unintentionally seesthe moon:

• Simhah Prasenamavadhitsimho Jambavata Hatah।
  
• Sukumaraka Marodistava Hyesha Syamantakah॥

Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes

Every year, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in India come with great fervour and hold special meaning in people's lives. So, let’s look at the Ganesh Chaturthi quotes to spread love and wisdom:

• Happy Ganesh Chaturthi
  
• Wishing you a happy Vinayak Chaturthi, I pray that Ganesha bestows you all happiness and prosperity
• I wish you a happy Ganesh Chaturthi, may you find all the delights in life and may all your dreams come true
• On this great occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I wish Lord Ganpati to visit your home with bags full of happiness, prosperity, and peace.
• This Ganesh Chaturthi, let us worship Lord Ganesha from the bottom of our hearts and pray that he destroys all evil and sorrows. Ganpati Bappa Morya!