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Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated every year in the Bhadrapada month’s fourth day of bright fortnight. As per the beliefs, Lord Ganesha was born on this day during Madhyahan Kaal on Monday in Swati Nakshatra and Leo ascendant. That’s why this one is considered as the main Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi. It is also known as the Kalank Chaturthi and in some regions, people also know it as Danda Chauth.
The preparation for the festival begins months earlier with artisans crafting clay images of Ganesh in different sizes. These idols are installed in specially decorated pandals (temporary structure used in religious events) or at homes. The 10-day long celebration follows the Hindu lunar calendar, with the biggest spectacle taking place on the last day called Anant Chaturdashi. On the first day, amid chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya, thousands of devotees take the idol of Lord Ganesh home, and after its installation, perform a ceremony to invoke His holy presence into the statue.
This ritual is called the Prana Pratishtha, during which a number of mantras are recited, a special worship ceremony is performed, offerings of sweets, flowers, rice, coconut, jaggery, and coins are made, and the statue is anointed with red chandan (sandalwood) powder. For the next 10 days the idol is worshipped every day and an arti is sung in the evening. It is believed that Lord Ganesh was born at midday, and consequently it is considered to be the most auspicious time of the day for performing the rituals.
As per many ancient beliefs, some famous legends of Ganesha are as follows:
Once Goddess Parvati was going to take bath. With the lather on her body, she created an idol and gave life to it. After that, she appointed him as the security guard. This guard was Lord Ganesha. When Lord Shiva was entering the home, he tried to stop him. Hence, Shiva cut off his head. As soon as Parvati got to know about this incident, she started crying a lot. In order to make her happy, Shiva cut another head of an elephant and placed it on Ganesha’s body. After getting the head of an elephant, Ganesha got a new name “Gajanan”.
According to another legend, Parvati Ji kept fast of Sri Krishna to get Ganesha because it had been many years to her marriage and she could not get a child. As she got Ganesha as the blessing, Lord Saturn came to see the baby. Due to Shani’s sight, Ganesha’s head got cut apart. So, Vishnu Ji placed elephant’s head on Ganesha’s body.
As per the beliefs, once Parshurama arrived Kailasha to see Shiva-Parvati. At that time, Shiva-Parvati were sleeping and Ganesh Ji was guarding the entrance. He tried to stop Parashurama, which caused argument and as a result, Ganesha got his one tooth cut by Parashurama. That is why Ganesha also got this name “Ekdant”.
As per the beliefs, Lord Krishna suffered the blame of stealing Syamantak Mani. Seeing his terrible condition, Narada Ji informed him that he had seen the Moon by mistake on the day of Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. That is why he got insulted. Also, Narada informed him that on this very day, Ganesha had cursed Moon. That is why, one who sees Moon on this day gets blamed and insulted. On Narada's suggestion, Krishna performed the fast of Ganesh Chaturthi (also known as Vinayagar Chaturthi) and got rid of the curse. Hence, one who worships and fasts on this day, gets rid of all the allegations.
In Indian culture, Ganesha is considered as the giver of education and wisdom; destructor of hurdles; benedictory; provider of security, Siddhi, prosperity, power, and honor. Though Vainayiki Chaturthi and Sankashti Chaturthi are celebrated every month during bright and dark fortnight respectively, yet this yearly Vinayaka Chavithi is considered most auspicious because Ganesha had appeared on this day. If this Ganesh Chaturti falls on Tuesday, it is considered as Angarak Chaturthi, which helps the worshipper in getting rid of all the sins and curses. If this Sankatahara Chaturthi falls on Sunday, it is also considered quite auspicious.
In Maharashtra, this festival is celebrated as the Ganeshotsava (Ganesh Festival), which runs till 10 days and ends on Anant Chaturdashi (Ganpati Visarjan). During these days, Ganesha is beautifully adorned and worshipped. On the last day, Ganesha is immersed in the water with a great pomp and show.
Due to all these reasons, this festival is considered quite pious and giver of big boons. With this little piece of information, we hope that you will receive the immense blessings of Lord Ganesha on this pious occasion of Vinayagar Sathurthi.
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