Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. It is observed in the Hindu month of Bhadra, which falls in the month of August or September (varies each year) according to the Gregorian calendar. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor by Hindus all over the world, but it is especially popular in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Legend of Ganesh Chaturthi
The legend behind Ganesh Chaturthi varies according to different Hindu scriptures. One popular story depicts Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, creating a young boy out of turmeric paste and giving him life. She then blessed him with the title of ‘Ganapati’, meaning ‘leader of a group’. This boy, who was later known as Ganesha, was loved and adored by all the gods and goddesses. When Lord Shiva tried to enter Goddess Parvati’s chambers, Ganesha stopped him, not knowing that he was his own father. In a fit of rage, Lord Shiva cut off Ganesha’s head, but later restored it with the head of an elephant.
Celebrations and Traditions
The festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi start on the fourth day of the waxing moon (chaturthi) and continue for 10 days. The festival begins with the installation of beautifully handcrafted clay idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and public pandals. These idols are then worshipped with flowers, incense, and offerings of sweets and fruits. Devotees chant mantras and sing folk songs dedicated to Lord Ganesha. On the tenth day, the idols are carried in a grand procession and immersed in a nearby water body, symbolizing Ganesha’s journey back to his heavenly abode.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi holds great significance in Hindu mythology. It is believed that worshipping Lord Ganesha during this festival brings prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. Ganesha is also considered the god of wisdom and intellect, and praying to him is said to remove obstacles and grant success in one’s endeavors.
Sentences about Ganesh Chaturthi
– Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadra, which falls in the months of August or September.
– This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god.
– According to legend, Ganesha’s head was restored with the head of an elephant after Lord Shiva mistakenly cut it off.
– Beautifully handcrafted clay idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals during the festival.
– Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for 10 days, with the final day culminating in the immersion of the idols in a nearby water body. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadra, which falls in the months of August or September. This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. According to legend, Ganesha’s head was restored with the head of an elephant after Lord Shiva mistakenly cut it off. Beautifully handcrafted clay idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals during the festival. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for 10 days, with the final day culminating in the immersion of the idols in a nearby water body. 
