Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: From Puja Checklist to City-Wise Muhurat Know It All

Ganesh Chaturthi, an annual celebration honouring Lord Ganesh, is a joyous and spiritually significant festival observed worldwide, with India being the heart of the festivities.

Lord Ganesh, revered as the remover of obstacles and god of wisdom as well as prosperity, is a beloved and gentle deity in Hinduism, distinguished by his elephant head. In Hindu tradition, devotees typically pay homage to Lord Ganesh first when visiting a temple, seeking his blessings and guidance to ensure a successful and prosperous start to any new venture.

Thus, this festive celebration goes beyond mere tradition, serving as a way to deeply connect with spirituality and community.

Ganesh Festival 2024: City-Wise Date and Time

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a revered 10-day festival celebrated every year on September 7 with immense zeal and devotion.

During this auspicious time, families and communities unite to pay homage to Lord Ganesha, seeking his blessings for a life free from obstacles. They place clay idols in their homes or community pavilions, known as pandals, and engage in prayers and aarti. In a grand conclusion, the festival of the year ends with the idol's immersion in water, symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution.

So, for those planning to perform the Vinayaka Chavithi, the shubh muhurat on September 7 starts from 11:03 AM to 1:34 PM, according to Drik Panchang. Furthermore, the Chaturthi Tithi begins at 3:01 p.m. on September 6 and ends at 5:37 p.m. on September 7, giving devotees enough time to execute their rites.

The following are the city-specific Puja timings:

Home puja preparation for Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is here and it is time to gather your Puja essentials. Here is a list of things you need to ensure a successful celebration at your home:

• Clean your space: It is essential to create a pure environment before commencing any Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Thus, kickstart your celebrations by cleaning your home.
• Find the ideal spot for idol: Find the right spot for Lord Ganesh's idol placement. Ideally, it should be placed in the northeast direction of your home as it is believed to attract positivity and success.
• Set up the Ganesh idol: A clean platform such as a wooden chowki or table covered with a yellow cloth should be placed on a pure surface. On that platform, the idol of Lord Ganesh should be seated.

• Decorate the surrounding area: You can play with the decor around the idol. Rangoli, flower decorations, torans, and wall stickers all can be used to create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere for the divine presence of Lord Ganesh.

Must-have puja supplies

1. Decorated Platform (Chowki): A clean, elevated base adorned for placing the idol.
2. Sacred Cloth (Yellow and Red): Used to drape the platform and wrap around the idol.
3. Lord Ganesha Idol: The main deity honoured during the Puja.
4. Betel Leaves and Nuts: Integral elements for offerings and rituals.
5. Modak and Laddoos: Traditional sweets, especially Modak, which is Lord Ganesha’s favourite treat.
6. Durva Grass: A significant offering specific to Lord Ganesha.
7. Coconut and Fruits: Seasonal fruits and coconuts are presented as part of the Puja.
8. Lamps and Incense Sticks: Used to create a sacred ambience.
9. Flowers, Vermilion, and Matches: Essential components for various ceremonial practices.
10. Kalash (Holy Pot): Represents prosperity and is crucial in rituals.
11. Garlands and Fresh Flowers: Used to decorate the idol and the Puja area.
12. Camphor, Turmeric, and Eyeliner: Items used for adorning and worshiping the idol.

Sacred delicacies for Lord Ganesha

As part of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, devotees prepare an array of sacred offerings for Lord Ganesha, with modak standing out as his most beloved sweet. Alongside modak, popular offerings like laddu, pooran poli, kheer, and supari are made with great devotion.

2024 Ganesh Visarjan details

The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festivities will conclude with Ganesh Visarjan on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. Devotees can observe the Visarjan during the following auspicious times:

• Morning: 9:11 AM to 1:47 PM
• Afternoon: 3:19 PM to 4:51 PM
• Evening: 7:51 PM to 9:19 PM
• Night: 10:47 PM to 3:12 AM (next day, September 18)

Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 3:10 PM on September 16 and ends at 11:44 AM on September 17, highlighting the most favourable moments for conducting the Visarjan ceremonies.