Lord Ganesha or Vinayaka is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism.!
The important sacred occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in India most grandly!
This year, 2022, the festival of Ganesh Chathurthi or Vinayaka Chathurthi falls on 31st August.
It is an 11-day long festival and it is believed that, on these days, Lord Ganesha graces the Earth and brings happiness, wisdom and prosperity to his devotees.
Why do we celebrate Ganesh Chathurthi?
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati lived in Kailash for years. One day, Goddess Parvati wanted to take a bath but there was no one to guard her.
She created an idol of a boy with turmeric and infused life into him.
She asked her son to not let anyone enter the house while she was taking bath. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva returned home but the boy would not let him in!
Angered by the adamant boy, Lord Shiva sheared off his head with his "Trishul"!
The moment she saw this, a furious Parvati demanded he brings the boy back to life.
Lord Brahma advised replacing the boy`s head with any creature who was sleeping with its head towards the North.
Ultimately, the boy`s head was replaced with a baby elephant and he was named Ganpati or Ganesha.
Ganesh Chathurthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha and is celebrated with great pomp and devotion.
Date and Time
Every year, Ganesh Chathurthi falls on the Chathurthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Bhadra Month.
This year, it is set to be celebrated on 31st August 2022 (Wednesday).
- Chaturthi Tithi Start: 30 August 2022 at 3:33 pm
- Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 31 August 2022 at 3:23 pm
Significance
According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Ganesh is considered the god who is worshipped first before any other god in any puja or ritual. It is also believed that fasting during this time removes all the obstacles.
Ganesh mantra
"Om Gam Ganpataye Namah"
Meaning:
It means bowing down to the Almighty Ganpati with all our existence and accepting all his great qualities in our self-being.
"Om Vignanaashnay Namah"
Meaning:
Ganpati is also worshipped to remove obstacles from one`s life. Here vigna means obstacles and nashnay means `One who removes obstacles.