Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Ganesh Chaturthi, also referred to as Ganesh Chaturdashi or Vinayak Chaturdashi, is a significant Hindu festival that marks the birth of Lord Ganesha. Celebrated with immense fervor and enthusiasm in India, this festival holds a special place among the country’s most important holidays.
In the year 2023, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed from September 19th to 28th. Spanning ten days, this festival beautifully commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha and provides a precious opportunity for people to come together in prayer, seeking blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.
Ganesh Chathurthi 2023 Date & Muhurat
The Chaturthi Tithi is set to commence at 12:39 p.m. on September 18 and will conclude at 1:43 p.m. on September 19. The auspicious moment to install the Lord Ganesha idol falls within the Madhyahna Muhurat on September 19, specifically from 11:01 a.m. to 1:28 p.m. However, it is of utmost importance to avoid any moon sightings before Ganesha Chaturthi, leading to a prohibited period from 09:45 a.m. to 08:44 p.m. on September 18.
Ganesh Chathurthi History
Ganesh Chaturthi is believed to have its origins in the 12th century in Maharashtra. The festival is often attributed to the efforts of the Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj, who used it as a means to unify his people and promote Hindu culture. Initially, it was predominantly celebrated in Maharashtra, but over time, it has expanded its reach to other regions in India and around the world. Today, Ganesh Chaturthi is observed with immense enthusiasm in various countries, including India, Nepal, Mauritius, and South Africa.
Ganesh Chathurthi Significance
Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration that commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the revered deity with an elephant head, symbolizing wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Lord Ganesha is cherished as the remover of obstacles and the bestower of blessings.
This festival not only holds religious significance but also serves as a unifying occasion for Hindus to come together and celebrate their rich culture and heritage. Ganesh Chaturthi is a joyous and festive time characterised by feasting, dancing, and various other celebratory activities.
Ganesh Chathurthi Rituals
During Ganesh Chaturthi, four main rituals are observed:
- Prana Pratishta (Infusion of Life): This ritual is conducted on the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi to breathe life into the Ganesha idol. The priest recites sacred mantras and performs ceremonial acts to awaken the divine presence within the idol.
- Shodashopachara (16-fold Worship): On the inaugural day of the festival, devotees offer 16 distinct types of items to Lord Ganesha, including flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, lamps, and water, as a gesture of devotion.
- Uttarpuja (Final Homage): On the 10th day of the celebration, Uttarpuja is performed to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha. The priest recites mantras and carries out rituals to seek Ganesha’s blessings and express gratitude.
- Ganpati Visarjan (Idol Immersion): Occurring on the 10th day, this ritual involves immersing the Ganesha idol in a river or the ocean, symbolizing the conclusion of the festival and Lord Ganesha’s return to his celestial abode.
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