ganapati pooja
Ganpati Pooja
Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chavithi, is an auspicious Hindu jubilee that is celebrated for 10 days every time. The jubilee is celebrated in the Bhadra month as per the Hindu timetable which generally falls from mid-August to September. It marks the birthday of the cherished giant-headed Lord Ganpati.
Ganesha is known as the God of wealth, lords, knowledge, wisdom, and substance, and that is why utmost Hindus remember him and seek his blessings before starting any important work. Lord Ganpati is known by 108 different names like Gajanana, Vinayaka, and Vighnaharta among others.
Ganesh Chaturthi significance
It's believed that addicts who supplicate to Ganpati are suitable to fulfill their wishes and solicitations. So, the main substance of Ganesh Chaturthi is that addicts who supplicate to him are set free of sins and it leads them on the path of knowledge and wisdom. Historically, the jubilee has been celebrated since the time of King Shivaji. It was during India's freedom struggle that Lokmanya Tilak changed Ganesh Chaturthi from a private festivity to a grand public jubilee where people from all gentries of the society can come together, supplicate, and be united.
Rituals of Vinayaka Chavithi
Four main rituals are performed during the 10 day long jubilee. They're videlicet- Pranapratishhtha, Shhodashopachara, Uttarpuja, and Ganpati Visarjan.
- The excitement of Ganesh Chaturthi settles in weeks before the jubilee begins. Artisans start preparing complexion icons of Ganesha in different acts and sizes.
- The excitement of Ganesh Chaturthi settles in weeks before the jubilee begins. Artisans start preparing complexion icons of Ganpati in different acts and sizes.
- The Ganpati icons are installed in beautifully decorated'pandal'at homes, tabernacles or points. The statue is also decorated with flowers, libraries, and lights.
- A ritual called Pranapratishhtha is observed where a clerk chants a mantra to bring life to the diety. Prayers are also offered to Ganpati's heroinin 16 different ways. This ritual is called Shhodash opachara.
- People celebrate by singing or playing religious songs, dancing to tap beats, and lighting up fireworks-- all of which add to the gleeful mood.
- The Uttarpuja ritual is also performed which is about bidding farewell to Ganpati with deep respect. This is followed by Ganpati Visarjan, a form wherein the statue is now immersed in water. While carrying the statue to the ocean and while immersing it, people generally chant in the Marathi language'Ganapati Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya'which means goodbye Lord, please come back coming time'.
- While some addicts celebrate this jubilee at home, others pay their visit to Lord Ganpati at public pandals. People offer their due respect, prayers, and immolations to Ganesha. Dishes like Lord Ganpati's favoriteModak, Pooran Poli, and Karanji are prepared for musketeers, family, and callers.