It is tomorrow when Lord Ganesh will leave Mount Kailasha to visit homes during this beautiful festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Lord Ganesh’s homecoming is celebrated in the month of Bhadra, according to the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar, which typically falls in the months of August or September.
The festival ends on the tenth day of bringing him home, to signify his return to Mount Kailasha to his parents Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi 2017 will begin on 25th August and end on 5th September.
Of all the festivals in India, Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most colourful and exciting 10-day long celebrations. Ganeshotsav or Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated all over India with a lot of enthusiasm in order to commemorate Lord Ganesh’s birthday.
Ganesh Chaturthi is observed by installing Lord Ganesh’s idol at home for a period of 10 days after which it is immersed in the river. This Ganesh Chaturthi let us get to know the festival in detail – its significance and other associated rituals and traditions.
Why is Moon Sighting Prohibited on Ganesh Chaturthi?
As legend has it, anyone who sees the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi creates Mithya Dosham or Mithya Kalank for the person. According to the Puranic beliefs, Lord Krishna was fallaciously accused of stealing the precious jewel Syamantaka as he had sighted the moon on the day of Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, because of which he was cursed with this false accusation. It was then, Lord Narada informed Lord Krishna that Lord Ganesh had cursed Chandra (moon) that whoever would sight the moon on this day will be cursed with Mithya Dosham and would be dishonoured in the society.
Traditions and Rituals
Weeks before Ganesh Chaturthi, excitement settles in. Various artistic clay models, varying in sizes and poses, are prepared by the artisans.
These statues are installed in colorfully decorated ‘pandals’ in homes, localities and temples. Garlands and lights add up to the beauty of the statue. A ritual known as Pranapratishhtha, that involves chanting of mantras by the priest is a common sight seen.
After this, the prayers are offered in 16 different ways in a ritual called Shhodashopachara.
Finally, there is a ritual known as Uttarpuja, which means bidding farewell to lord Ganesha with due reverence. After this ritual, there is a ceremony of immersing the statue in water, which is known as Ganpati Visarjan.
‘Ganpati Bappa Morya, a common chanting that evokes the feelings of devotees is commonly heard during celebrations.
This festival not only involves prayers, but also takes in account the time for cultural activities like dancing, singing, orchestra and theatre performances. A lot of community activities are also a part of the celebrations.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2017: Ganesh Isthapna
Madhyahna Ganesh Pooja Time- 11:25 am to 13:57 pm
On 24th August, Time to Avoid Moon Sighting- 20:27 pm to 21:02 pm
On 25th August, Time to Avoid Moon Sighting- 09:29 am to 21:41 pm
Ganesh Chaturthi 2017: Ganesh Visarjan
Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi Day
Auspicious Choghadiya Mahurat for Ganesh Visarjan
Morning Mahurat (Char, Labh, Amrit) – 09:32 am – 14:11 pm
Afternoon Mahurat (Shubh) = 15:44 pm – 17:17 pm
Evening Mahurat (Labh) = 20:17 pm – 21:44 pm
Night Mahurat (Shubh, Amrit, Char) = 23:11 pm
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