by Ganesh Chaturthi, or Vinayagar Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the beloved elephant-headed deity Lord Ganesha. This auspicious occasion holds deep cultural and religious significance across the country.
As we approach Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, let’s understand this rich tradition and celebration to enjoy it more. This blog will answer what is Vinayaka Chaturthi, when is Ganesh Chaturthi, and how it is celebrated.
About Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, an auspicious Hindu festival, is celebrated for the re-birth of Lord Ganesha. Known for his wisdom and ability to remove obstacles, Ganesha is worshipped at this time to seek blessings for new ventures and endeavours. This auspicious festival symbolises new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil. Devotees believe seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings during this time can bring success, prosperity, and fulfilment of desires.
The festival kicks off with the installation of beautifully crafted Ganesha idols in homes and pandals, where families and friends gather for prayers, music, and feasting. It’s a time when streets come alive with colourful processions, echoing with chants and the sounds of drums. The immersion of Ganesha idols on the final day symbolises bidding farewell to the Lord, carrying away troubles and granting renewed hope and inspiration.
Thus, celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi isn’t just a ritual; it comes with joyous gatherings, cultural richness, and the spirit of togetherness.
When is Vinayaka Chavithi This Year?
As per the Hindu calendar, Vinayaka Chavithi falls in the month of Bhadra. On the Gregorian calendar, it typically occurs in August or September. It is celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion across many regions. Vinayaka Chavithi 2024 falls on 7th September.
How is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
Months before the festival, artisans and craftsmen across India meticulously prepare for Ganesh Chaturthi by creating intricate clay idols of Lord Ganesha. The idols are often adorned with vibrant clothing, jewellery, and flowers, adding to their divine allure. Here’s a glimpse of how this auspicious occasion of 10 days long is celebrated:
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The celebration begins with the installation of Lord Ganesha’s idol in homes and at pandas.
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Day Two ,‘Chaturthi’: Known as the festival’s core, marking a pivotal moment in the festivities.
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By day three and four, Devotees engage in exclusive prayers and aarti ceremonies dedicated to Lord Ganesha, continuing with joyful offerings of sweets and deepening their spiritual connection.
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The fifth day, celebrated with the intricate ‘Shhodashopachara Pooja,’ honours Ganesha through sixteen facets of worship.
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Day six, ‘Sashti,’ sees intimate homebound prayers and soul-stirring aartis.
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The next day, ‘Saptapadi,’ involves sacred rituals and supplications during the seven-step ceremony.
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As ‘Ashtami’ unfolds on day eight, dedicated prayers and aarti rituals continue.
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The penultimate day embraces the ‘Navapatrika Puja,’ a heartfelt tribute to the worship of nine plants.
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The final day- ‘Vijayadashami,’ features a majestic procession of Lord Ganesha’s resplendent idol through jubilant streets. It is concluded with the ritual of Ganesh Visarjan, where the idol is immersed in nearby waters.
Throughout these ten days, people enjoy the festive vibes and the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration Across the Globe
If you plan to enjoy the Ganesh Chaturthi holiday, there are some places in India and abroad where you can witness the extraordinary celebrations.
Indian cities to visit:
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Mumbai: Known as the capital city of Maharashtra, Mumbai celebrates Vinayaka Chaturthi with unmatched enthusiasm. More than 6000 idols are crafted annually, with iconic pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja and Khetwadi Ganraj drawing massive devotees.
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Pune: The city hosts some of India’s most vibrant Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations. This festival holds immense significance in Pune’s cultural, religious, and social life, with top idols including Kasba Ganpati, Tulsi Baug, Kesariwada Ganapathi, Guruji Talim, and Jogeshwari Ganapathi.
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Goa: In the heart of Goa, the smallest state in India, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with joy, bringing families and friends together. Various merchant associations across Goa install idols of Lord Ganesh, adding to the festive spirit.
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Ganpatipule: Nestled along the scenic Konkan coastline, Ganpatipule is known for its pristine beaches and the revered Swayambhu Ganapathi Temple. This temple, with its unique idol of Lord Ganapati, is a focal point of local festivities.
Global Celebrations to Experience:
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Malaysia: Across Malaysia, Ganesh Chaturthi spans nine days of culinary devotion. The festival begins with the ‘Pranprathistha’ ritual, invoking Lord Ganesh’s presence, followed by offerings of sweet dishes. The celebrations culminate in a vibrant procession to immerse the idol in water.
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Nepal: In Nepal, this festival is observed with great respect. People welcome idols of Lord Ganesh in their homes for worship, accompanied by heartfelt prayers and indulgent feasts. The festival concludes with Ganesha’s idol immersion, echoing traditions observed in India.
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Singapore: The festival is marked by intimate home worship. Decorated Ganesha idols adorned with flowers and sacred symbols take centre stage, accompanied by offerings of sugarcane and corn. Homes are embellished with mango leaves to enhance the festive atmosphere.
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Mauritius: The traditions of Ganesh Chaturthi closely mirror those in India. Homes are meticulously cleaned and decorated with vibrant flowers to welcome Lord Ganesh. The festival highlights include offerings of Modak, a beloved sweet treat that symbolises Lord Ganesh’s fondness for this food.
Ready to Enjoy this Ganesh Chaturthi?
Now that you know the significance and dates of Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, it’s the best time for you to plan your celebrations. Whether you plan to take the Ganesh Chaturthi holiday to witness the festive celebration of famous cities or countries or want to do a grand celebration at your home, arranging finances should never stop you from excitement and devotion. If you plan to get finances from a reliable and trusted partner to enjoy your festive vibes without any stress, you can download the KreditBee loan app.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival spanning ten days, commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha. It commences on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August–September), emphasising new beginnings and spiritual blessings.
Ganpati Visarjan takes place on Anant Chaturdashi, which is considered the most important day for the immersion of Lord Ganesha. However, some families choose to do the visarjan on the 7th day after Ganesh Chaturthi. It’s worth mentioning that Ganesha Visarjan is traditionally done on odd-numbered days like the 3rd, 5th, or 7th day.
Ganesh Chaturthi is not observed as a public holiday nationwide in India. It is a regional holiday celebrated in specific states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. However, employers are not required to give a day off for the Ganesha Festival, even in these states.
Ganesh Chaturthi was initiated by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja with the intention of fostering culture and nationalism, as supported by historical evidence.
Lord Ganesh’s most beloved flower is the beautiful Hibiscus (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis) with its single, red petals. It is highly recommended to offer this flower throughout the ten days of Ganesh Chaturthi.
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