Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 is approaching, and here’s all the important information you need to know:
Date and Puja Timing:
Ganesh Chaturthi, also referred to as Vinayaka Chaturthi and Ganeshotsav commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity associated with wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, notably in Maharashtra, as well as in states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. Lord Ganesh, revered as the remover of obstacles, takes precedence over all other Hindu deities.
The dates for Ganesh Chaturthi in 2023 are September 19 to September 28.
The auspicious puja muhurat will commence from 11:01 AM to 01:28 PM on September 19, 2023.
Shubh Muhurat and Tithi:
According to the Drik Panchang, the propitious time to welcome Lord Ganesha on Chaturthi Tithi will start at 12:39 PM on September 18 and conclude at 1:43 PM on September 19. The 10-day Ganesh Utsav festival will come to a close on September 28 with Ganpati Visarjan.
Rituals and Celebrations:
Lord Ganesha, also known as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, holds profound significance in Hinduism, where nearly all rituals commence with his worship. The festivities for Ganesh Chaturthi commence months in advance with the crafting of Lord Ganesha’s clay idols.
Ganesh Chaturthi involves four primary rituals:
Pranapratishtha, Shodashopachara, Uttarpuja, and Visarjan puja. People adorn their homes with flowers and rangoli designs and invite clay idols of Lord Ganesha into their residences. Additionally, beautifully adorned Ganesh idols are placed in puja pandals, homes, offices, and educational institutions on Chaturthi.
The Pranapratishtha ritual is conducted by a priest who chants mantras. Then, 16 distinct rites that makeup Shodashopachara puja are carried out. Modak, a popular sweet dumpling from Maharashtra, is considered Lord Ganesh’s favorite prasad and is offered during the puja, along with other sweets and fruits.
Festival celebrations involve singing and playing religious hymns, dancing to the beats of drums, and preparing delicious meals. The third major ritual of Ganesh Chaturthi is Uttarpuja, which signifies bidding farewell to Lord Ganesh.
On the 10th and final day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the idol of Lord Ganesha is immersed in a nearby river with deep devotion, marking the Ganesh Visarjan ceremony. People chant “Ganapati Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya,” which translates to “Goodbye Lord Ganesha, please come back next year.” This ritual is performed with utmost reverence and marks the end of the festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Greetings, Wishes, Messages
- This Ganesh Chaturthi, may Lord Ganesha bestow upon you and your family the blessings of knowledge, wealth, and happiness.
- I wish you success in all your undertakings on this auspicious occasion and may all your hurdles be eliminated.
- I hope your holiday is a time of devotion, joy, and the presence of those you love. Greetings on Ganesh Chaturthi!
- May Lord Ganesha’s divine blessings fill your life with harmony and tranquility.
- May Lord Ganesha bless your home with love, happiness, and fortune as you welcome him in.
Greetings on Ganesh Chaturthi!
Also read: Kanha Janmashtami 2023: Date, Puja Timing, and Celebrations
