Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesha Basohli miniature circa 1730 Dubost p73

Ganesh Agman

Chitrashalagoa

प्रतिष्ठापना केलेली मूर्ती

Anant Chaturdashi

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the elephant-headed god, Ganesha. This festival, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, marks the birth of Ganesha, the God of wisdom, prosperity, and remover of obstacles. It is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period). This typically falls in August or September of the Gregorian calendar.

Origins and History

The festival is believed to have been celebrated since ancient times. The earliest mentions of Ganesh Chaturthi can be traced back to the Puranas, ancient Hindu scriptures. The festival gained prominence in the late 19th century when Bal Gangadhar Tilak, an Indian freedom fighter, popularized it as a means to circumvent the British colonial law against large Hindu gatherings. Tilak transformed the private, domestic festival into a grand public event to bridge the gap between Brahmins and non-Brahmins and build a united front against colonial rule.

Celebrations

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great fervor across India, particularly in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha, Goa, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu. The festival begins with the installation of Ganesha clay idols privately in homes, or publicly on elaborate pandals (temporary stages). These idols are worshiped with family and friends for ten days, with the observance including daily prayers, offerings, and the chanting of Vedic hymns.

Artisans create the idols of Ganesha in various poses and sizes, often using environmentally friendly materials in response to growing environmental concerns. The festival also includes cultural activities such as singing, dancing, and theatre performances.

Environmental Impact

In recent years, the environmental impact of the festival has been a point of concern. Traditionally, idols made of Plaster of Paris were immersed in rivers and seas, leading to water pollution. Efforts have been made to promote the use of natural clay idols and the immersion in artificial ponds.

Culmination of the Festival

The festival culminates on Anant Chaturdashi, when the idols are paraded through the streets, accompanied by music and dancing, and then immersed in a body of water. This ritual, known as Ganpati Visarjan, symbolizes Ganesha's return to Mount Kailash to join his parents, Shiva and Parvati.

Significance

Ganesh Chaturthi epitomizes the birth of Lord Ganesha, symbolizing new beginnings, the removal of obstacles, and the harbinger of prosperity. The festival is a time for prayer, reflection, and celebration, bringing families and communities together.

See Also

• Hindu festivals
• Public holidays in India
• Environmental impact of religious festivals