Ganesh Chaturthi 2018

Ganesh Chaturthi: Grand Festival To Mark The Birth Of Lord Ganesha
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birthday of God Ganesha-the elephant headed God. He is the elder son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Ganesha is known by different names and he is popularly known as Ganapathi and Vinayaka. He is worshipped at the start of any rituals and ceremonies as he is considered the God of beginnings. Ganesh Chaturthi festival begins on Shukla Chathurthi which is the fourth day of the waxing moon period and ends on the 14th day of the moon period in the month of Bhaadrapada (Aug-Sep). This year it will falls on 13th September 2018.

Significance Of Ganesh Chaturthi
It is believed that on this auspicious day, Lord Ganesha was created by Mother Parvati. There are two different versions about Ganapathi’s birth. One has it that Mother Parvati created Lord Ganesh out of dirt off her body and set him to guard her while she finishes her bath. At that time, Lord Shiva came to meet Goddess Parvati, but Lord Ganesh didn’t know him and stop him from entering. He become more furious and severed the Ganesha’s head. After a fight between Lord Shiva and Parvati, Shiva promised Lord Ganesh will live again. Devas who went in search of a Ganesha’s head could manage only the head of an elephant. Lord Shiva fixed the elephant’s head on the child and brought him back.
Other version has it that Lord Ganesha was created by Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati on request of the Devas.
How To Perform Ganesh Chaturthi Puja?
On Ganesh Chaturthi festival, colourful shrines of Lord Ganesha are set up at temples as well as home and Lord Ganesha’s shrine is worshipped for ten days with offering special pujas, rituals and deepa aarti. Some devotees made Lord Ganesha statue by turmeric or sandalwood paste. The ten days Ganesh Chaturthi pujas are performed by chanting powerful Ganesha mantra. Chant the Ganesha mantra and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha on this day. And finally the idol is immersed in the river.
On this day, people prepare a sweet dish Modak (Favourite dish of Lord Ganesha) using rice flour stuffed with jaggery, sometimes the filling is made of a lentil mixture that’s not too spicy and offered them to Lord Ganesha at the time of Chaturthi Puja. Maharashtra is known for the grand celebration of Ganesh Chathurthi. He is also worshipped in Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, China and Nepal on Ganesh Chathurthi.
Importance of Ganesh Chaturthi Pujas & Rituals
Lord Ganesh is worshipped as the God of Success. Ganesh Chathurthi day is the best day to please Lord Ganesha. One can achieve prosperity, wealth and happy life by the grace of Lord Ganesha. The major aim of observing Ganesh Chaturthi is to remove all obstacles in any venture undertaken and it is believed that your life will be in a smooth path. Those who are affected by Graha Doshas, planetary disorders, bad effects of Karma can lead to depression, accidents, loss of property, worries and anxiety worship him on Ganesh Chaturthi by performing the Pujas and other ceremonies.