Ganesh Chaturthi: Why & How do we celebrate it?
Ganesha Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesh, the most popular of all Gods. It is celebrated in the sixth month of Hindu calendar (Aug-Sep) over a period of ten days. Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the popular festivals among Hindu community as it is believed that Lord Ganesh is the only God who can remove all obstacles and blesses with wealth and wisdom. It is believed that Lord Ganesh comes down on earth to bestow his blessings on this holy day.
There are several traditions related to the birth of Ganesha. According to the most popular legend, when Lord Shiva was away Goddess Parvati wanted a guard to prevent anyone from entering the bathing area while she took bath. So she created Ganesh from a dough and gave it life. The day Goddess Parvati breathed life into him is known as the birthday of Ganesh, which we today celebrate as Ganesh Chaturthi.
The devotees of Lord Ganesh celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with great joy and happiness. They sing mantra, dance, and do fireworks. The ten days celebration begins with placing the idols of Ganesh in public places, homes and offices. The houses are cleaned and organized and on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath. Seating arrangement of Lord Ganesh is done with the image or idol of Lord Ganesh at the pooja altar and a rangoli in front of the altar. Ladoo and modak are made at home, parsaad is distributed among the gathering and camphor is burned. On the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the devotees come out in processions with the idols of Lord Ganesh and immerse them in water. This ritual is done to remind us that whoever is born on earth shall die.
