Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a vibrant and important Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and the remover of obstacles. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and in Indian communities worldwide. This ten-day festival is characterized by colorful decorations, elaborate rituals, and a profound sense of community.
In 2025, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on August 27. The Chaturthi Tithi begins on August 26 at 1:54 PM and ends on August 27 at 3:44 PM. The Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat, considered the most auspicious time for worship, will be from 11:05 AM to 1:40 PM on August 27.
There are several stories surrounding the birth and the elephant head of Lord Ganesha. According to one popular legend, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from sandalwood paste while Lord Shiva was away. She tasked him with guarding the entrance while she bathed. When Lord Shiva returned, Ganesha, not recognizing him, prevented him from entering.
Enraged, Lord Shiva severed Ganesha's head. Parvati was devastated, and to appease her, Shiva promised to restore their son to life. Shiva instructed his followers (Ganas) to bring the head of the first creature they found facing north. The Ganas returned with the head of an elephant, which Shiva then used to replace Ganesha's original head, bringing him back to life. Shiva then declared Ganesha the chief of the Ganas, and he was to be worshipped first before any new endeavor.
Another story says Parvati created Ganesha out of loneliness, longing for affection while Shiva meditated on Mount Kailash.
The celebrations begin with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals (temporary structures). The idols are usually made of clay and adorned with flowers and lights. A priest then performs Prana Pratishtha, a ritual that involves chanting mantras to invoke the presence of Ganesha into the idol. Following this, Shodashopachara, a sixteen-step worship, is performed.
During the ten days of the festival, devotees offer prayers, sing devotional songs (bhajans and kirtans), and offer sweets like modak and laddus, which are believed to be Lord Ganesha's favorites. Prasad, food blessed by the deity, is distributed within the community. Many devotees also observe fasts during this period.
The festival culminates with Ganesh Visarjan, the immersion of the Ganesha idols in a body of water such as a river, lake, or the sea. This symbolizes the return of Lord Ganesha to his heavenly abode and the cyclical nature of birth and death.
In 2025, Ganesh Visarjan will occur on Saturday, September 6. However, Visarjan can also be performed on other days like: * One and a half day – August 28, 2025 * 3rd day – August 29, 2025 * 5th day – August 31, 2025 * 7th day – September 2, 2025
On the day of Visarjan, the idols are carried in grand processions with music, dance, and vibrant displays of devotion. Devotees chant "Ganapati Bappa Morya," a popular slogan expressing their love and devotion to Lord Ganesha. The immersion signifies the release of all misfortunes and obstacles, with the belief that Lord Ganesha takes them away.
The festival's roots can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures describing Ganesha's birth. However, Ganesh Chaturthi gained prominence as a public event during the late 19th century, thanks to the efforts of Indian freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. Tilak used the festival to unite people against colonial rule and promote national pride. He transformed it from a private celebration into a large-scale community event, fostering unity and cultural pride.
Today, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated not only as a religious festival but also as a cultural event that brings people together, promoting harmony and social unity. It emphasizes community service, artistic expression, and devotion, making it a significant festival in the Hindu calendar.
