Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity, this festival has deep cultural and religious significance. In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated with great fervour across India. Here is everything you need to know about this auspicious festival, including the date, shubh muhurat (auspicious timings), visarjan timings by city, rituals, and more.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: date and shubh muhurat
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, Vinayaka Chavithi or Vinayagar Chaturthi, has a unique celebration this year as it could be celebrated on two different days. There is some uncertainty as to whether the festival falls on September 6 or 7 as the Chaturthi tithi begins on September 6 and extends to the next day. However, according to Drik Panchang, the official celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Date: 7th September 2024
Chaturthi tithi starts: 03:01 pm on 6th September 2024
Chaturthi tithi ends: 17:37 on 7th September 2024
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Muhurat: 10:30 am to 12:59 pm on 7th September 2024
Ganesh Visarjan: 17th September 2024
Devotees should avoid sighting the moon a day before Ganesh Sthapana: from 3:01 PM to 7:49 PM on September 6, 2024
Avoid viewing the Moon: from 08:44 to 20:22 hours on September 7, 2024
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Meaning
Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Ganesha is revered as the herald of good fortune, success and wisdom. The significance of the festival lies in celebrating new beginnings and overcoming obstacles. It is also a time to reflect on spiritual growth, prosperity and happiness.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Rituals
The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi involves several rituals that devotees follow with devotion and dedication:
- Ganesh Establishment: The beautifully crafted statue of Lord Ganesha is placed on a raised platform in homes or public pandals. The installation is done during the auspicious muhurat.
- Prayer: This involves invoking the presence of Lord Ganesha in the idol through mantras and puja rituals.
- Shodashopachara Puja: This 16-step puja includes offering items like fruits, flowers, coconut, modaks, durva grass and sandalwood paste to the idol, followed by chanting prayers and mantras.
- Aarti and bhajans: Aartis are performed in the morning and evening, accompanied by devotional songs and hymns in praise of Lord Ganesha.
- Prasad Offering: Modak, a sweet believed to be a favourite of Lord Ganesha, is offered as prasad, along with other sweets like laddu, pedha and fruits.
- Ganesh Visarjan: After the festival, the idol is immersed in water as part of the Visarjan ritual, which symbolizes the cycle of birth, life and death.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Puja Samagri
To perform Ganesh Puja, the following items are essential for the rituals:
- Chowki (Platform): A clean, decorated surface on which to place the idol.
- Yellow and red fabric: Sacred cloth used to cover the platform and wrap the idol.
- The idol of Lord Ganesha: The central figure of the cult.
- Betel nut and betel leaves: Offered during rituals.
- Laddoos and Modak: Traditional sweets, Modak being a special favourite of Lord Ganesha.
- Thick grass: A meaningful offering to Lord Ganesha.
- Coconut and seasonal fruits: Presented to the deity during the ceremony.
- Incense sticks and lamps: To create a sacred environment.
- Matches, vermilion and flowers: Necessary for various rituals.
- Kalash (Sacred Pot): Symbolizing abundance, used in rituals.
- Garlands and flowers: To decorate the idol and Puja space.
- Eyeliner, Camphor, Turmeric: Used for rituals and to beautify the idol.
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