It’s the time of the year when Bappa is here to take all negativities and problems away. The 10-day-long celebration of divinity, wisdom, and prosperity with the arrival of Shri Ganesh on 19th September 2023. The whole nation waits every year for Lord Ganesh to welcome him in their homes/offices. This year, Bappa has decided to arrive on the 19th of September. If you have ever witnessed the welcome celebrations of Ganpati Maharaj, you already know how big this event is. So, let’s dive into the details of Ganesh Chaturthi and its celebrations.
Significance and Symbolism of Ganesh Chaturthi
The son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati holds immense importance in Hinduism. Before every auspicious work or event, Lord Ganesha is worshiped before anyone. It is believed that Lord Ganesh blesses his devotees with wisdom and prosperity.
Ganpati Maharaj is known as the God of new beginnings in life. It is believed that lord ganesha was born on this day i.e. 4th day of 1st fortnight of Bhadrapada as per the Hindu calendar. He arrives in the world to mark the new beginnings and take away all the obstacles. The 10-day celebration of the arrival of lord ganesha followed as:
- Day 1: Welcoming & Sthapana the Lord Ganesha At home/Offices.
- Day 2: The main day starts with the worshiping of Lord Ganesha
- Day 3: Prayers and Aarti
- Day 4: Aarti and Puja
- Day 5: Shodopchar Puja, a special prayer to Ganpati.
- Day 6: Shashthi, prayers emphasizing donations.
- Day 7: Satapadi offering
- Day 8: Ashtami
- Day 9: Nabapatrika Puja
- Day 10: Visarjan, bids farewell to lord Ganesha.
Prasad to Offer Lord Ganesha Throughout Celebrations As Per Significance
Modak: When talking about food for Lord Ganesha, we cannot miss Modak. He absolutely loves Modak made from ghee, dry fruits, and khoya. Both Karthik and Ganesha love Modak. Once Goddess Parvati made Modak, but she asked Karthik and Ganesha to share.
Both wanted modak, so Goddess Parvati suggested a task i.e. whoever performs 3 Parikramas of the whole universe first will get modak. Lord Karthik took 3 rounds of the universe, but Lord Ganesha took three rounds around Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati. He stated Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are his universe, impressed by the intelligence Goddess Parvati gave to Ganesha Modak.
Kheer: Kheer also known as payasam or payesh is popular across India during every festival. Most people cook kheer during every celebration. Once, a Lord disguised as a boy went to a village. He carried milk and rice and asked people to cook him kheer, no one agreed while an old woman in a tiny space on the outskirts of the village agreed to cook. She cooked him kheer that Lord Ganesha relished wholeheartedly, he blessed her with wealth and prosperity. Therefore, kheer is one of the most favorite prasads offered to lord Ganesha.
Banana Sheera: Sheerma made with mashed banana is another prasad to offer Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is also referred to as Gajanana due to the elephant head that was fixed when Lord Shiva cut his head off. So, the way elephants love bananas, Lord Ganesha also loves eating bananas.
Coconut Rice: Coconut Rice is another one of the best foods to offer lord Ganesha as he loves rice. Ganesha’s love for food was well known, once Lord Kuber invited Lord Shiva to his palace for a meal to show off his wealth. Lord Shiva asked Lord Ganesha to visit, he knew his intentions. Lord Kuber emptied all his food in the palace to feed Ganesha, but Lord Ganesha was not satisfied. However, his hunger was satisfied by a handful of rice offered with love from Lord Kuber. So, it is believed that if offered with love, Ganesha can accept your offerings and bless you.
This Ganesh Chaturthi welcomes lord Ganesha with his favorite food and celebrates his arrival with love and Joy.
ॐ गं गणपतये नम:।