Information on Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chaturthi)

What is Ganesh Chaturthi? Ganesh Chaturthi (also Vinayaka Chaturthi), a major Hindu festival, is observed in honor of the birthday, actually rebirth, of the Lord Ganesha, i.e., Lord of Wisdom.

Ganesh Chaturthi is observed for 10 days in Bhadra month that starts on the Shukla Chaturthi, and ends on the Anant Chaturdashi.

Why is it celebrated? People celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi festival to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is believed to obstacles from ones life. Hence, he is also known as “Vighna Harta”

Who celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi? Where is it celebrated? The Hindus staying in India or in any other country mainly observe Ganesh Chaturthi.

In India, it is celebrated in Karnataka and Maharashtra and some parts of Western and Southern India.

It is also widely celebrated in Nepal and by the Hindus staying in United States, Singapore, Canada, and Thailand, etc. Ganesh Chaturthi is the time, which helps family and friends to have a get-together from their busy schedule.

How devotees celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi? Ganesh Chaturthi is largely observed in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and some parts of Madhya Pradesh. It is the most spectacular festival of Maharashtra.

This festival is starts with the installation of clay images of the Lord Ganesha, in pandals or at homes. The worship of Lord Ganesha continues for several days. Thousands of devotees gather at various places to take part in the festive event. Varieties of herbal plants and leaves are offered to Lord Ganesha.

Devotees take part in huge colourful processions with sounds of cymbals and drums. This is a great day of rejoicing for all. Dances and music add to the picturesqueness. The devotees chant together some words that means – “O Father Ganesha, Come Again Early in the Next Year”.

Also read: Ganesh Chaturthi in Wikipedia