The joyous Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is an annual celebration filled with grandeur in India. It is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav and marks the birth of Lord Ganesha. Devotees observe this festival for ten days, and it falls on the Chaturthi tithi of Shukla Paksha. The concluding day of the ten-day festivities is called Ganesh Visarjan, during which devotees submerge idols of Lord Ganesha in water. While Ganesh Chaturthi is observed throughout the country,Ganesh Chaturthi is especially grand in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka, notably in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad. If you plan to celebrate this festival with your family, it’s important to learn about its date, historical significance, and the associated festivities.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Date:
Ganesh Chaturthi in 2023 will commence on September 19 and conclude on September 28. The auspicious Ganesh Puja muhurat will commence at 11:01 am and conclude at 1:28 pm on September 19. Additionally, the Chaturthi Tithi will commence on September 18 at 12:39 pm and conclude on September 19 at 1:43 pm, as per Drik Panchang.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 History and Significance:
Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, knowledge, prosperity, and happiness, has a remarkable legend associated with his birth. According to the legend, Goddess Parvati created Lord Ganesha using sandalwood paste and left him to guard the area while she went for a bath. Unaware of this arrangement, Lord Shiva returned and was surprised to find Lord Ganesha obstructing his entry. When Lord Ganesha refused entry to Lord Shiva, the latter became furious and severed Ganesha’s head. Witnessing this, Maa Parvati transformed into Kaali, threatening to annihilate the world. After learning the truth, Lord Shiva instructed his followers to find the head of a child whose mother was not looking. They returned with the head of a baby elephant, which was attached to Ganesha. This is how Lord Ganesha came to be known as the elephant-headed god.
Ganesh Chaturthi holds profound spiritual and cultural significance for Hindus. As the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha is believed to bestow wisdom, success, and good fortune upon his devotees. People seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings before embarking on any endeavor, taking exams, getting married, or starting a new job.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Celebrations:
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the nation, particularly in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka. To commemorate Ganesh Chaturthi, individuals bring idols of Ganpati Bappa to their homes for durations ranging from one-and-a-half days to ten days. The festival culminates with Ganesh Visarjan, during which devotees bid a heartfelt farewell to Lord Ganesha by immersing his idols in water, hoping for his return the following year. Elaborate processions are held during Visarjan, with people chanting ‘Ganapati Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya.’
Additionally, devotees observe a fast during Ganesh Chaturthi, with some fasting on the first and last day, while others adhere to it throughout the ten-day celebration. This sacred tradition is observed to seek the blessings and grace of Lord Ganesha.
In summary, Ganesh Chaturthi is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with devotion and fervor across India. It commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and prosperity, and is accompanied by rituals, prayers, and festive gatherings. Devotees eagerly await this joyous occasion each year, seeking the blessings and guidance of Lord Ganesha in their lives.