Ganesh Chaturthi: The Legend, Ritual and Celebrations
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, is around the corner, and the festival is to be celebrated on 31 August 2022. When we think of Ganesha, we think of a broken tusk, a spherical body and a plate full of sweets by one of his sides, and on the other is a little mouse. This is Ganesha, Shiva and Parvati's child and a revered Hindu god of wisdom. It is the birth of Ganesha that we celebrate as Ganesha Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi.
But do you know the legend of his birth? Or the rituals we perform in honour of the lord’s birth? Let us look into the fascinating tale of Lord Ganesha’s birth. We will also discuss the Ganesh Chaturthi 2022 celebrations date and time.
Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi Essay
Ganesh Chaturthi 2022 Celebrations: Date and Time
The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi is on 31 August 2022 on Wednesday. As with most Hindu celebrations, there is a specific time duration during which the pooja is done, known as ‘Muharat’. Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat is given below.
Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat: 11:05 am to 01:39 pm
Duration: 2 Hours 33 Mins
Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 3:33 pm on August 30, 2022
Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 03:22 pm on August 31, 2022
Ganesh Visarjan: September 9, 2022 (Friday)
Ganesha Chaturthi: The Birth of Lord Ganesha
The Ganesha Chaturthi is the celebration of the birth of the lord Ganesha. Let us look at the fascinating tale of the birth of the Ganesha!
Parvati, the goddess and mother of Ganesha, once desired to take a bath and did not want to be bothered. Nandi was not present to serve as a guard, so Parvati created a small boy out of the turmeric paste she used for her bath. Parvati then gave life to the statue made by her (who was Ganesha).
Meanwhile, Lord Shiva wanted to meet Parvati and insisted on seeing his bride, but Ganesha would not let him go until Parvati was finished bathing. Both Shiva and the boy fought. Shiva severed the boy's head.
Parvati was furious when she learned of this. Parvati asked Shiva to revive the boy. Shiva accepted her demands. Shiva sent his “dutas” to look for any dead animal's head that faced North and was nearest to him.
Following the instructions of Shiva, they brought the mighty elephant Gajasura's head back. The head of Gajasura was put on the boy's body. He was given life by Brahma, who gave him the status of God, and named him Ganesha.
And this is how the lord of wisdom, Ganesha was born!
Ganesha Chaturthi Rituals
Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations require performing the four rites of Ganesha pooja. The four separate rites of Ganesh Chaturthi are Pranapratishhtha, Shhodashopachara, Uttarpuja, and Ganpati Visarjan.
The Ganesha idol is made in Pranaprathishtha, which is the first rite of the pooja. The idol is subsequently placed in a pandal or a devotee's home.
People who worship the idol put on musical performances and sing devotional songs to it. There are 16 different forms of prayers offered during Shhodashopachara, including floral arrangements and sweets.
The third stage, known as Uttarpuja, happens just before immersion. In this stage, the deity is removed from its place or pandal and dressed for immersion in water.
The idol is submerged in the sea during the last ritual called Visarjan. It is believed that the immersion of the idol Ganesha goes back to his home to Shiva and Parvati. It also signifies the incredible intelligence of the Ganesha, one that is infinite and ethereal, just like the water.
Significance and History of Ganesha Chaturthi
It is thought that those who pray to Ganesha can achieve their goals and aspirations. Therefore, the primary aim of Ganesh Chaturthi is that those who pray to him are purified of their sins and are guided into a life of enlightenment and understanding.
Since King Shivaji's reign, the event has been observed historically. Lokmanya Tilak transformed Ganesh Chaturthi from a private celebration to a large-scale public holiday where people from all castes of society can congregate, pray, and be together during India's freedom war.
These celebrations also have a huge social impact as they allow people from different castes and communities to come together for the celebration. It is through celebrations that communities come together. Needless to say, Ganesha Chaturthi is one of the threads that bind Indian society.
Ganesh Chaturthi is now celebrated in an environmentally responsible manner since environmental consciousness has grown over the years.
An Ending Note!
This was the legend, rituals, history and significance of the Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations. While some devotees celebrate this festival at home, others pay their visit to Lord Ganesha at public pandals. The spirit of this celebration remains the same. It is the feeling of togetherness that comes with the arrival of Lord Ganesha!
Remember to enjoy it with your friends and family. We wish you a very happy Ganesha Chaturthi!
