Why We Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi - Unlocking the Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi: A Celebration of Faith and Unity

To honor the elephant-headed God Ganesha's birthday, Hindus celebrate the 10-day festival "Ganesh Chaturthi". He is known as the god of beginnings because he is honored at the beginning of every Hindu ritual program. Ganesha is known by 108 names, but is widely known as Ganapati or Vinayaka.

There are two different stories in history about the birth of  Lord Ganesha. According to one story, Devi Parvati created Ganesha from the dirt of her body while having a bath. Then, she told him to guard her door while she finished her bath. At that time, Lord Shiva wanted to enter the cave, but Ganesha didn't know him and stopped him from entering. Then, an angry Shiva severed Ganesha's head. Parvati was enraged, and Ganesha was brought back to life by the promise of Lord Shiva. Shiva fixed an elephant's head on the child and brought him back to life.

Another story tells that Lord Shiva and Parvati created Ganesha at the request of all devatas, to be an obstacle creator in the path of demons. The Vighnahartaa always helps devas. So, Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated all over India during the month of Bhadra, which falls in mid-August or mid-September and lasts for 10 days, ending on the day of Ananta Chaturdashi. Maharashtra is famous for the Ganesha festival, which was first celebrated by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja.

A clay model of Ganapati is made before Ganesha Chaturthi. The idols' sizes range from 3/4th inch to 25 feet tall. The main prasad in this festival is modak, which is offered to Lord Ganesha. During this festival, many pandals are decorated, and Vinayaka is worshiped for 10 days. The four most important rituals done in the festival are pranapratishhtha, shhodashopachara (16 forms of paying tribute to Ganesha), uttarpuja, and Ganesh visarjan. On the 11th day of this festival, his procession is accompanied by dancing, and then the idol is immersed in flowing water.

As Ganesha is considered "Buddhi Pradayaka", it is a very important festival for students, who worship the lord to illumine their minds.

Conclusion:
As we conclude our journey through the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi, we're reminded of the power of faith, unity, and harmony. May this festival inspire us to come together, overcome obstacles, and celebrate the divine within us.

Join us in celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival that transcends boundaries and unites us in our shared humanity. Share your experiences, traditions, and stories with us, and let's come together to make this world a more harmonious and peaceful place.