Ganesh Chaturthi : History, Puja Process, and Significance
Introduction
The largest festival in India is
Ganesh Chaturthi festival that marks the birth of the almighty Lord Ganesha who is also regarded as the god of intelligence and the lord who deletes or destroys any and every form of obstacle. Worshiping the God, the Vinayaka Chaturthi or the festival particularly of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other parts of India make everyone smile. This blog give insight on the origin of Ganesh Chaturthi, the traditional way of performing the puja and the significance that has made millions of people to celebrate this event.
Ganesh Chaturthi history
Ganesh Chaturthi has its history in the prehistoric period of the Maratha Empire of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who made it open celebration for the sake of the togetherness of the people. But, it was during the later part of 19th century that
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak given a new meaning by turning the festival from a family affair to a public event in order to invoke patriotism among Indians during the British rule. It just turned Lord Ganesha from being a mere object of worship to icon of resistance culture and communal unity.
Mythological Origins
The story of Ganesha being the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati – The goddess put a paste of Sandalwood powder and formed Ganesha thus, The Hindu goddess Parvati created Ganesha using mud/ clay from the banks of the river and gave him life. Whenever Lord Shiva in an unconscious state tried to enter he was checked by Ganesha. War took place thus resulting in separation of the head from the body of Ganesha. Waking up to the fact, Shiva and Parvati brought Ganesha back to life and gave him the head of an elephant making him look different from other gods. Since then Ganesha has been considered as the god of obstancs and prosperity.
How to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
The festival takes place for 10 days and begin from the fourth day of the month known as Bhadrapada in the Hindu lunar calendar and end on Anant Chaturdashi. Here is a step-by-step guide to the traditional Ganesh Chaturthi puja process:
1. Preparation and Ganesh Idol Installation (Pranapratishtha):
The festival also starts with the placing of Ganesha statues in homes as well as temporary structures or pandals. The idols used are made of clay which depicts the spirituality of earth. Pranapratishtha – Before the idol is fixed, a priest ‘breathes’ life into the idol with holy prayers.
2. Offerings and Decorations:
As for the flowers, the garlands, and lights on the idols, they look very nice. Lodians are believed to offer sweets and fruits especially modaks which are favourite foodstuffs of Lord Ganesha. Sweet fruits, coconut, jaggery and durva grass is also offered during puja.
3. Ganesh Aarti and Mantras:
People offer aarti (worship) two times a day that is in the morning and evening. Aarti is the process of singing songs that is in the form of prayer to Lord Ganesha the bells are rung and hands clapped all around turns the environment divine.
4. Recitation of Vedic Hymns and Prayers:
These spiritual enthusiasts read the Vedic hymns such as Ganesh Atharvashirsha, the one hundred and eight names of Ganesha and many more to have a boon. Pujas are performed to seek blessing of LORD Ganesha and to eliminate any barrier or hurdle in one’s life.
5. Daily Prayers and Offerings:
Everyday during the festival, devotees ensure the sanctity of the occasion by doing their rituals of puja, lighting of incense sticks and offering of fresh flowers and sweets. Another form of cultural practices includes singing bhajans or devotional songs and sharing prasad, which is holy food with the guests.
6. Visarjan (Immersion of the Idol):
The last day of the illustrious festival involves submerging the idol in a water source thus respecting the birth and death cycle. Another significant aspect of this event is that of visarjan as it symbolizes the journey of the Lord Ganesha to his astral plane and thus taking along all the evils with him.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
1. Symbol of New Beginnings:
Lord Ganesha is called Vighnaharta or the lord of opportunities and the lord of success on new beginnings. It is common to pray to him at the beginning of any serious venture such as starting a business, transiting into a new home or a new phase in life.
2. Promotes Unity and Togetherness:
The festival thus cuts across the religious and the regional aspects of the world in merry makings. The element of sharing as demonstrated through the process of idol immersions and especially through public pandals also brings out the feeling of unity and general happiness of the community.
3. Environmental Awareness and Cultural Revival:
Contemporary rituals stress the construction of bio-degradable idols from Neil which will not contaminate the water, making the festival a conscious go-green effort. The festival also displays the troupes performing music and dance along with dramas thus promoting the art and culture of India through the revival of its performing arts.
4. Devotional and Spiritual Growth:
Ganesh Chaturthi can be said to be one of the most important religious occasions which include a period of thinking, reverence and supplication. The festival includes certain rituals which help people to develop discipline, faith and gratitude and to strengthen spiritual values as well as inner peace among devotees.
5. Economic Impact:
Festivals are a way of promoting local economically by patronizing local people selling their delicacies, fruits, clothes, jewelry, flowers, sweets, arts and crafts used in the decorations, and the people who organize the festival arrangements. It focuses on the cultural market by supporting Indian art and craft which signifies the Indian economy.
Conclusion
This is not just a religious festival in the sense that it is a representation of the faith of the people, the unity of the community, and most importantly the Jai Ho feeling of being proud Indians. The lively public celebrations, the colourful and joyful decoration and the sincere wishes and prayers towards Lord Ganesha, the deity who oversees his devotees and grants them HIS blessings reveal the strong emotion of believers towards this deity. On this occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, it is imperative that we accept the lessons of simplicity, thankfulness and hardworking and pray to Lord Ganesha for happy and prosperous future. Best of luck in all your endeavors that you desire and let Lord Ganesha help you to eliminate all the negative energies within and around you. Ganpati Bappa Morya!
