“ Have a Great Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Wishes”

Ganesh Chaturthi, a day that celebrates the birthday of our lovely Lord Ganesha 'The most cute and adorable Ganpanti Babba.' 

According to panchangam, this year the Chaturthi Tithi begins on 18th September 2023 afternoon at 12:39 pm, so the function is believed to end on 27th September 2023 when the Anant Chaturdashi tithi begins.

Now, let me ask you something — have you ever got into the thought as why this is the kind of Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of a particular Lord for about 10 consecutive days starting from Ganesh Chaturthi Tithi, and carrying till Ganesh Visarjan (Anant Chaturtashi).

If so, then let me share some of my knowledge and research on the same to get you some clarity via this post unmasking the reason behind such a lengthy celebration. 

Of course, I do assure you that you will not be disappointed in  the end. So, with no delay let’s make a walk.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 - An Outline

Being aware of the fact of Sanatan Dharma, which has millions of Gods and Goddess in its bag - Why celebrates the sole Lord Ganesh ji as the first foremost deity before beginning any auspicious task.

Well, nowhere it has been mentioned in the Hindu mythology as the Lord needs to be celebrated for 10 consecutive days. 

Now, let me reveal the secret behind —- During British rule, history had to face critical issues where the people have lost hope and unity to achieve freedom. 

And to align people’s minds to get back on track, it becomes essential to rebuild the unity and togetherness despite caste, religion, and background.

As a first step, some communities have chosen Ganesh Chathuri to be the divine blessing period to get this into reality.

Henceforth, they have created the belief system in people which made them to celebrate the occasion for a consecutive period of 10-day. Moreover, they have set significant reasons behind celebrating every single day to continue this spirit of unity forever.

Let's dive deep to get the flavor of this lovely journey,

Step 1 - Welcoming the Lord Ganesha

On the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Lord is welcome at every home, temple, office, and public pandals. Devotees bring beautiful attractive idols of Ganesha and install them at their elaborately decorated pandals. 

Now, this is not just an idol installation, but a significant symbol that indicates the visit of Lord Ganesha on Earth.

Step 2 - Auspicious time of Prana Pratishtha

On the second day, the ritual of Prana Pratishtha is performed where the divine spirit of Lord Ganesh is invoked into the idol. In simple word, Prana Pratishtha is the process of giving life energy to the Lord.

According to devotees, it is believed that after this ritual the Ganesha's presence can be observed and felt in the established idol.

Step 3 - Regular Performance of Pujas and Bhajans - 

If you're thinking that pujas and bhajans will not be conducted on the first two days, then let me be clear that it will be performed but, the celebration gets on point from the 3rd day. 

Yes, from this day onwards, the pujas and Bhajans will be followed very keenly and regularly throughout the day.

Here, from the 3rd day the devotees gather and offer their prayers through singing powerful hymns, kertaanas, and more, to honor his divinity. Also the offering of prasadam will be there throughout the day.

Step 4 - Cultural Programs explaining the Dharma with Mythology Legends - 

Everyday just singing hymns might not work out so, the communities organizes cultural programs near the public pandals where the devotional stories of Gods and Goddess protecting the dharma and its significance will be described through the art of act, dance, and creativity.

Actually, this is an event that educates people and the upcoming generation about the significance of Hindu mythology that’s associated with Lord Ganesha.

Step 5 - Supports in Building Community - 

At home, temple and office, we bring the idol and do the puja within our circle. But, when it comes to the public pandals, it is not an easy task to perform puja, rituals, and programs every single day. 

So, to form these public pandals people join hands together, where the neighbor, friends, and sometimes even unknown devotees collaborate to support the event.

This is the best part of the occasion which strengthens the social bonds promoting a high-end unity among people despite background and cultural belief.

Step 6 - Ganesh Visarjan 'Time to Say Good Bye' -

The entire culmination of this 10-day celebration comes to an end with the immersion of Ganesh's idol in water bodies like lakes, rivers, wells, etc. This ceremony is known as 'Ganesh Visarjan.'

Now, whenever this Visarjan ceremony is performed the community gives a grand send off to Ganesh ji that includes dance, music, and more. 

Here, the devotees believe that after this ritual the Lord will return to his celestial abode and bless the entire world with happy and successful life.

Step 7 - Renewal that Talks about Reflection -

These 10-day celebrations make the devotee more opportune to get involved in their spiritual growth. We can say it almost emphaszies people to renew their commitments, and avail the blessing to complete all these stuck endeavors.

Step 8 - Culture, Tradition and Heritage - 

Last but not least, the final stage of the festival marks the rich culture and religious heritage of India. The time that shows the real-time unity among the people sharing their traditions and values regardless of their background.

However, now you must have understood the profound significance of this 10-day celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi which encapsulates the real essence of community, devotion, tradition with environmental awareness.

If you feel happy and pleasured to learn about this kind of hidden part of Indian tradition and culture, then comment below with a kind heart to encourage me to get you a lot more across the board.

                                  Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!