Ganesh Chaturthi is an important Hindu festival which marks the birth celebrations of lord Ganesh. This day is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. It is celebrated on of fourth day of the waxing moon period in the month of Bhaadrapada according to the Hindu calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, this day falls between August 20th and September 15th. The festival lasts for 10 days, ending on Anant Chaturdashi which is the fourteenth day of the waxing moon period. It is widely celebrated in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and other parts of India.
Lord Ganesh : Origin
According to the legends this day marks the birth of Lord Ganesh who was the son of lord Shiva and Parvathi. It is believed that goddess Parvathi created Lord Ganesh out of sandalwood paste and breathed life into him. She asked the boy to stand guard outside the door while she took bath. When Lord Shiva returned, the boy who had never seen the lord did not allow him to enter and enraged by this lord Shiva cut the boy’s head. This angered goddess Parvati who threatened to destroy the universe in her Kali form. In order to appease her Shiva placed an elephant’s head on the trunk of Parvati's son and gave life into him. They named him Ganesh i.e. the Lord of all Ganas.
Ganesh Chaturthi History
Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated as an important religious festival in the country especially in Maharashtra. In the year 1893 Lokmanya Tilak transformed the annual festival into a large, well-organized public event. Tilak realized the cultural importance of this deity and popularised Ganesh Chaturthi as a National Festival. He used this festival as a medium to bridge the gap between Brahmins and 'non-Brahmins' and generate nationalistic fervour among people in Maharashtra against the British colonial rule. Under Tilak's direction this festival gained much popularity and saw huge public participation. It was he who promoted the idea of installation of large public images of Ganesh in pavilions and also established the practice of submerging the idols in rivers, sea etc on the tenth day.
How is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great devotion. On the day of the festival clay model of lord Ganesh is placed on the raised platform in homes. The idols are worshipped for ten days starting from Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi. During the puja, a sweet called modak is offered to the god along with the fruits and the flowers. Ganesh is worshipped for ten days and on the 11th the idols are taken out in huge processions and immersed into sea, river etc. Cultural performances are held during this festival which includes dances, dramas, poetry etc.