Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals. In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on Saturday, September 7th. This festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. The celebration extends over ten days, culminating in the grand event of Ganesh Visarjan, where idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in water.
Key Dates and Timings
- Ganesh Chaturthi: Saturday, September 7, 2024
- Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat: 11:03 AM to 01:34 PM
- Duration: 2 hours 31 minutes
- Ganesha Visarjan: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
- Time to Avoid Moon Sighting: 09:30 AM to 08:45 PM on September 6, 2024
- Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 03:01 PM on September 6, 2024
- Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 05:37 PM on September 7, 2024
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Ganesha was created by Parvati from the dirt of her body and was brought to life to guard her while she bathed. Lord Shiva, unaware of this, severed Ganesha’s head in a fit of rage when Ganesha refused him entry. To appease Parvati, Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant, giving him new life.
Lord Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings. The festival is celebrated with great fervor, especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Goa. It fosters a sense of unity as people from various communities come together to honor Lord Ganesha.
Rituals and Celebrations
Ganapati Sthapana and Puja
Ganesh Chaturthi begins with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals (temporary structures). The idols are placed on decorated platforms, and a ritual called Pranprathishtha is performed to invoke the deity. The main puja (worship) is conducted during the Madhyahna period, which is considered the most auspicious time.
Shodashopachara Puja
The detailed ritualistic puja, known as Shodashopachara Ganapati Puja, involves 16 steps including:
- Aavahana (invocation)
- Asana (offering seat)
- Padya (offering water for washing feet)
- Arghya (offering water for washing hands)
- Achamana (offering water for sipping)
- Snana (bathing)
- Vastra (clothing)
- Yajnopavita (sacred thread)
- Gandha (fragrance)
- Pushpa (flowers)
- Dhoop (incense)
- Deepa (lamp)
- Naivedya (food offering)
- Tambula (betel leaves)
- Aarti (worship with light)
- Pradakshina (circumambulation)
Puja Muhurat in Major Cities
| City | Puja Muhurat |
|---|---|
| Pune | 11:18 AM to 01:47 PM |
| New Delhi | 11:03 AM to 01:34 PM |
| Chennai | 10:53 AM to 01:21 PM |
| Jaipur | 11:09 AM to 01:40 PM |
| Hyderabad | 11:00 AM to 01:28 PM |
| Gurgaon | 11:04 AM to 01:35 PM |
| Chandigarh | 11:05 AM to 01:36 PM |
| Kolkata | 10:20 AM to 12:49 PM |
| Mumbai | 11:22 AM to 01:51 PM |
| Bengaluru | 11:04 AM to 01:31 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 11:23 AM to 01:52 PM |
| Noida | 11:03 AM to 01:33 PM |
Recent and Upcoming Dates of Ganesh Chaturthi
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Friday, September 10 |
| 2022 | Wednesday, August 31 |
| 2023 | Tuesday, September 19 |
| 2024 | Saturday, September 7 |
| 2025 | Wednesday, August 27 |
| 2026 | Monday, September 14 |
| 2027 | Saturday, September 4 |
| 2028 | Wednesday, August 23 |
| 2029 | Tuesday, September 11 |
| 2030 | Sunday, September 1 |
| 2031 | Saturday, September 20 |
Prohibited Moon Sighting
It is believed that sighting the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi leads to Mithya Dosha (false accusation of theft). This belief stems from a myth where Lord Krishna was falsely accused of stealing a precious jewel after sighting the moon on this day. To avoid this, devotees refrain from looking at the moon and chant a specific mantra if they accidentally see it.
Ganesh Visarjan
The festival concludes with Ganesh Visarjan, the immersion of the Ganesha idols in water. This symbolizes the cycle of creation and dissolution in nature. The procession is a grand affair with music, dance, and chants of “Ganapati Bappa Morya” as devotees bid farewell to the deity, asking him to return the following year.
Celebrations in Major Cities
Mumbai
Mumbai hosts one of the grandest Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, with famous pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja and KhetwadiGanraj drawing millions of devotees.
Pune
Pune’s celebrations are equally vibrant, with prominent idols such as Kasba Ganpati, Tulsi Baug, and Kesariwada Ganapathi being central to the festivities.
Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, the Khairatabad Ganesh is renowned for its towering idol, one of the largest in India.
Goa
Goa’s celebrations are marked by family reunions and community events, making it a festive period filled with joy.
Ganpatipule
The Swayambhu Ganapathi Temple in Ganpatipule is a significant pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of devotees during the festival.
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life, unity, and devotion. It brings together people from different walks of life to honor Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings for wisdom and prosperity. The rituals, stories, and grandeur of the celebrations make Ganesh Chaturthi a significant cultural and religious event in India.
FAQ
When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024?
Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024 is on Saturday, September 7th.
What is the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings.
How long is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for 10 days, ending with Ganesh Visarjan on the last day.
What are the main rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi?
The main rituals include the installation of Ganesha idols, performing Shodashopachara Ganapati Puja, and the immersion of idols in water during Ganesh Visarjan.
Why should one avoid sighting the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?
Sighting the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi is believed to cause Mithya Dosha, a curse of false accusations, due to a myth involving Lord Krishna.