“Ganesh Chaturthi” or “Vinayak Chaturthi” is one of the major festivals celebrated in the Hindu community. Though Lord Ganesha is worshipped everyday in daily Poojas in almost every Temple; his birthday, Ganesh Chaturthi is the day, which is celebrated with great pomp and show and much aplomb across the globe. A celebratory frenzy seems to imbue every nook and cranny of the country when Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are underway.
Why we worship Lord Ganesha? Lord Ganesha, being revered as one of the most endearing and lovable deities, is the son of Shiva (The God of Gods) and Parvati (Shiva’s Consort). Before commencing any religious ceremony, Lord Ganesha, who has the head of an elephant, four podgy hands joined to a sizeable belly with one hand holding a trident, other an ankush or goad (made from his broken tooth), a lotus and modak (his favorite sweet), is worshipped to appease him for vanquishing all potential obstacles during the ceremonial discourse.
How Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated? Irrespective of caste and creed, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated all across the country. Ardent Ganesha devotees and ardent religious aficionados ensconce Idols of Lord Ganesha in their houses. Pooja and Archana (worship) is carried out in every house along with the recitation of Vedic Mantras and offerings including Gansha favorites such as Modhak, jaggery or puffed rice are made to the Lord. On the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Ganesha statues are afloated in rivers and seas.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chaturthi Also called Vinayaka or Vighneshwara, Lord Ganesha is considered to be the remover of all obstacles and troubles from our lives. It is believed that paying homage to Lord Ganesha, especially during the auspicious days of Ganesh Chaturthi, not only helps devotees realize their spiritual and other worldly desires but also grants them happiness (inner as well as outer), prosperity and a great fortune.
Thus, let’s pray to Lord Ganesha to whick us away on a spiritual voyage where we are no longer encapsulated by our unending worldly affairs and find our truce mantra with Sat Chit Ananda which is Truth, Knowledge and the inner peace.
