The festival of Ganesh Mahotsav commences from the Bhadrapad Chaturdashi, and continue till Anant Chaturthi of Bhadrapad month. Ganesh utsav is celebrated around the country with enthusiasm and fervour. It is a festival of ten days and have special significance in Hinduism. Temples are decorated and Lord Ganesha is established in every home of his devotees. People worship the lord with proper rituals and faith, and hope to receive his blessings next year as well.
Commencing from 07 September 2024, the celebration of Ganesh Utsav will continue till 17 September, 2024. The enthusiasm and happiness of the festival can be seen around the country and abroad. Huge idols of Lord Ganesha are established in temples and worshipped with rituals. Devotees perform special aartis, pandals, and sing devotional songs in devotion of Lord Ganesha.
Das Divsiya Ganeshotsav
The celebration of this festival continue for 10 successive days and a huge crowd of devotees can be seen gathering in temples and performing special pujas and ceremonies. Lord Ganpati has been assigned a special place among all gods , and hence is worshipped by people before commencing any new auspicious work.
It is believed that Lord Ganesha gives relief from all the sufferings and obstacles in life. The results of the fast observed during this period is based on the faith and belief of the observer. He is the lord of “Gana” and, hence known as “Ganpati”. He is the giver of happiness and prosperity. 12 most known names of Lord Ganpati are: Ekdanta, Sumukh, Labondar, Vinayak, Kapil, Gajkarnak, Vikat, Vighan-nash, Dhoomketu, Gandhyakhsha, Bhalchandra and Gajanana.
Ganesh Mahotsav Puja
Lord Ganesha is believed to be the giver of happiness and prosperity. He fulfills all the desires of thew devotees. It is believed that Lord Ganesha was born on Chathurthi of Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha. This is reason people observe fast on this day and celebrate it in the form of Ganesh Mahotsav. Tulsi is not offered to the lord in prayers, while Durva has special significance.
The ritual to perform this fast is similar to that of any other fast observed to please the lord. Ganesha chaturthi fast is observed on the Krishna paksha chaturthi of every month. Worshipping the lord with mantra chanting has special significance in this fast and considered to give auspicious results.
On the day of the fast, the observer must wake up early in the morning before the sunset and perform his daily routine activities. While taking bath add white sesame in the water. Purify the home by sprinkling ganga jal.
Offer the prayers to the lord with ganga jal, dhoop, durva, deep, flowers, rice and water. While worshipping Lord Ganesha chant his beej mantra, “ Om Gan Ganpataya Namah”. Keep 21 ladoos made with pure ghee and distribute it as a prasad after the puja. Donate red clothes in the temple for Lord Ganesha.
Establishment of Ganesha Idol
Around the country the idols of Lord Ganesha are decorated and worshipped by large population. The enthusiasm of devotees can be seen during this festivals around the world. Trading of idol is on the rise during this period. Beautiful small and huge sized idols can be seen displayed in the markets and attract everyone passing by.
It is believed that those who observe fast and worship Lord Ganesha with full faith and devotion is blessed with immense happiness and prosperity. Worshipping him with rituals removes all the sufferings and obstacles from the life of the observer and his all wishes are fulfilled.
Celebration of Ganesh Mahotsav In Maharashtra
Ganesh Chaturthi s celebrated as Ganesh Utsav with full joy and excitement. Although this festival is celebrated everywhere in India, but, it is specially celebrated in Maharashtra. It is also called the main festival of Maharashtra. People establish the idol of lord Ganesha at crossings of road, streets etc. Aarti of lord is performed. The echo of praising lord can be heard coming out from every street. The festival is concluded by immersing the idol of lord Ganeshain water on Anant Chaturdashi.
Special pujas, havans and plays are organized during this festival. The entire Maharashtra can be seen crowded by devotees all over the streets and temples, praising the lord. All the devotees achieve blessings of the lord. THe major attraction in Mumbai is Lal bagh Raja and Siddhi Vinayaka.
Celebration Of Ganesh Mahotsav In Foreign Countries
There are large number of devotees of Lord Ganesha residing in foreign countries as well. The faith of people residing abroad is no less than the devotees in India. In Britain and America, people celebrate this festival with proper rituals and ceremonies.