We all know the words to start a pooja, no? It is called’ ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’. In Hindu culture, the first god to be worshiped in any kind of pooja is lord Ganesha. 

His lovely look can make any youngster exclaim, "Oh, my friend Ganesha!" He is also known as the remover of barriers and patron of art and stillness. Every year, the birth of Shiva and Parvati's son is commemorated with great zeal and devotion.

The Ganpati celebration is a prominent Hindu event celebrated in many areas of the country, with each state having its unique manner of commemorating it. It mostly consists of music, traditional cuisine, ceremonies, and dance. Ganesh Chaturthi is a much-anticipated celebration in India since it combines all of these aspects as well as cultural customs and traditions.

As the holiday approaches, here are some intriguing facts about the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration and the great god.

The Tale behind Ganesh Chaturthi

Some groups observe this occasion to commemorate the birth of the Mahabharata. Lord Ganesh is claimed to have written the Mahabharata as Sage Vyasa read it to him. Ganesh insisted that the sage say it without hesitation or stop. Ganesh's writing equipment shattered in the process. 

He broke his tooth and kept writing since he didn't have time to get a new one. It is believed that the writing process lasted ten days. On the eleventh day after the epic was completed, clay was placed on Ganesh's body and he was ordered to bathe in a river. 

These 10 days are celebrated during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration, and the idol is submerged in water on the eleventh day.

Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi

With a culturally rich celebration, Ganesh Chaturthi brings the god of knowledge to our home. The Ganpati celebration signifies new beginnings. It is believed that lord Ganesha fulfills the wishes of people who with their pure hearts pray to him. The celebration teaches us to lead to a path of wisdom and happiness. Ganesh Chaturthi is said to eliminate barriers and create ideal conditions for achievement.

The Ceremonies

Pran Pratishtha, Shhodashopachara, Uttar Puja, and Ganpati Visarjan are the four different rites of the festival. The idol of Ganesha is put in Pran Pratishtha, and mantras are performed to bring the god back to life. The idol is subsequently placed on a pandal or in the devotee's home by the devotees. 

Devotees worship, provide musical performances, and sing devotional songs to the idol. Shhodashopachara includes 16 different sorts of prayers, such as beautifying the idol with flowers and presenting sweets. 

The third step, Uttarpuja, occurs immediately before the immersion. The god is removed from the house or pandal and prepped for immersion in water. Visarjan is the ultimate ceremony, in which the idol is submerged in the sea.

Celebrations Across Cities

Mumbai

The enthusiasm for this 10-day event begins weeks before Ganesh Chaturthi, with some individuals creating and decorating clay idols of Lord Ganesha. People have started realizing the importance of eco-friendly Ganesha, as traditional techniques have been discovered to negatively impact marine life and damage the environment. 

Ganesha idols may be spotted in every home, on every corner, and on every street as communities gather together to celebrate. Every second of these ten days is packed with cultural activities, rituals, musical performances, folk and classical dance, poetry, and more. Finally, the 10th day concludes with magnificent processions in which the idol is immersed.

Karnataka

The southern state of India has a unique set of rites and customs. In Karnataka, the celebration is known as Ganesh Habba, and prayers are made to Goddess Gauri, Lord Ganesha's mother. Every home makes sweets. Modakam, Gojju, and Payasam are the names of the desserts. Married ladies pray to Goddess Gauri for a blissful marriage.

Goa

People in Goa are just as excited about the holiday as people in other states. In Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi is known as Chovoth. The idol is worshipped in a matoli with bhajans, aartis, and pujas. Modak and neuri, as well as other savory dishes, are provided. For the celebration, special vegetarian dishes are provided. Finally, the idol is readied before being immersed in Goan waters.

Delhi

Similarly, enormous statues of Lord Ganesha may be found on the streets and in various residences in the national capital, Delhi. In various sections of Delhi, processions are held, during which people repeat chants and sing. Pandals are decorated with Ganesha idols, and cultural events are held.

With so many festivities and celebrations going on we all have craved the perfect gift for our friends and family. Indigifts bring all the uniqueness of various kinds of presents together to provide you with a one-stop solution for all your gifting needs. Check it yourself from the comfort of your home from the above-mentioned categories.

Read Blog to know about the different and innovative types of Ganesha idol!