The Story of Ganesha's Birth
Ganesh Chaturthi is a spectacular festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati. Revered as the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune, and the remover of obstacles ('Vighnaharta'), Ganesha's birth is a fascinating story of divine creation. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati, wanting a loyal guard for her private chambers, created a boy from the sandalwood paste on her body and breathed life into him. She instructed him not to allow anyone to enter while she bathed.
When her husband, Lord Shiva, returned and was unexpectedly denied entry by this unknown boy, a fierce battle ensued. In his cosmic rage, not realizing the boy was Parvati's creation, Shiva severed the boy's head. When a distraught Parvati saw what had happened, her sorrow was immense. To console her, a remorseful Shiva promised to bring the boy back to life. He instructed his attendants (Ganas) to bring back the head of the first living creature they found with its head facing north. They returned with the head of a mighty elephant, which Shiva placed upon the boy's body, resurrecting him and bestowing upon him the name Ganesha, the lord of all Ganas. He was also blessed to be the first deity worshipped in any ritual, forever to be known as the remover of all obstacles.
The festival was transformed from a private, household celebration into a grand public event by the freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak in the late 19th century as a way to unite the people of India against British rule. Today, the festival is celebrated with immense fervor, especially in Maharashtra. Devotees bring home beautifully crafted clay idols of Ganesha, worshipping him for ten days with prayers, songs, and his favorite sweet, 'modak'. The festival culminates in the 'visarjan' (immersion) ceremony on Anant Chaturdashi, symbolizing Ganesha's journey back to his celestial abode, taking with him the misfortunes of his devotees, and promising to return the following year.
Get Ready for the Celebration
The Ten-Day Celebration
Day 1: Avahana and Sthapana
The festival begins with the installation of a clay idol of Ganesha in the home or a public pandal. A priest performs the 'Pranapratishtha' puja, a ritual to invoke the holy presence of Ganesha into the idol. This is followed by offerings of modaks, flowers (especially red hibiscus), and durva grass.
Days 2 to 9: Daily Worship and Gauri Avahan
For the duration of the festival, daily morning and evening pujas and aartis are performed. The atmosphere is filled with the sound of devotional songs and mantras. A significant event during this period is the worship of Goddess Gauri (an incarnation of Parvati, Ganesha's mother). Idols of Gauri are brought home, and a special puja is performed to celebrate the mother-son bond. This is particularly important in Maharashtra, where married women observe a fast and pray for a long and happy married life.
Day 10/11: Anant Chaturdashi and Visarjan
The festival culminates on Anant Chaturdashi. The idols of Ganesha are taken in a vibrant and grand procession to a nearby river, lake, or the sea for immersion ('visarjan'). The streets are filled with music, dance, and chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya" (Oh Lord Ganesha, come again soon next year). The immersion symbolizes Ganesha's return to his celestial abode, taking with him the obstacles and misfortunes of his devotees, and the cyclical nature of life and creation.
How to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi
- 1.
Idol Installation (Sthapana)
Bring a clay idol of Lord Ganesha home and place it on a decorated platform. Perform a ritual to invoke his presence in the idol.
- 2.
Daily Worship (Puja)
Offer daily prayers, flowers, and Ganesha's favorite sweet, 'modak'. Light lamps and incense, and perform aarti (a ritual of waving lights).
- 3.
Immersion (Visarjan)
After 1.5, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days, the idol is taken in a grand procession for immersion in a river or the sea, accompanied by singing and dancing. The final day of immersion is known as Anant Chaturdashi.
Ganesha's Favorite Foods
No Ganesh Chaturthi celebration is complete without preparing Ganesha's favorite sweet, the modak. A variety of other festive sweets and savories are also made.
Marathi Aartis for Lord Ganesha
Sukhkarta Dukhharta
Sukhkarta Dukhharta Varta Vighnachi, Nurvi Purvi Prem Krupa Jayachi
Sarvangi Sundar Uti Shendurachi, Kanti Jhalke Mal Mukataphalaanchi
Jaidev Jaidev Jai Mangal Murti, Darshan Matre Manokamana Purti
Ratnakhachit Phara Tujh Gaurikumra, Chandanachi Uti Kumkum Keshara
Hirejadit Mukut Shobhato Bara, Runjhunati Nupure Charani Ghagaria
Jaidev Jaidev Jai Mangal Murti, Darshan Matre Manokamana Purti
Lambodar Pitambar Phanivarvandana, Saral Sond Vakratunda Trinayana
Das Ramacha Vat Pahe Sadana, Sankati Pavave Nirvani Rakshave Survarvandana
Jaidev Jaidev Jai Mangal Murti, Darshan Matre Manokamana Purti
Shendur Lal Chadhayo
Shendur laal chadhaayo achchhaa gajamukha ko
Dondil laal biraaje sut gaurihar ko
Hath liye gud laddu saai survarko
Mahimaa kahe na jaay laagat hun pad ko
Jay dev, jay dev
Jay jay jay jay jay jay jay ganeshaji
Jay jay jay jay jay jay jay ganeshaji
Ghaalin lotangan vandin charan, Dolyanni paahin rup tujhe
Preme alingin anande pujin, Bhave ovalin mhane nama
Tvamev mata, pita tvamev, Tvamev bandhushch sakha tvamev
Tvamev vidya, dravinm tvamev, Tvamev sarvm mam dev dev
Kayen vacha manasendriyenva, Buddhayatmna va prakrutiswabhavat
Karomi yadyat sakalm parasmai, Narayanayeti samarpayami
Achyutm keshvm ramnarayanm, krushanadamodarm vasudevm hari
Shri dharam madhavm gopikavallabham, janakinayakm ramchandram bhaje
Celebrating a Green Ganesh Chaturthi
Celebrate the festival of lights while being mindful of Mother Earth. A few small changes can make a big difference in reducing the environmental impact of the festivities.
Choose a Clay Ganesha Idol
Opt for idols made from natural, unbaked clay (shadu mati) instead of Plaster of Paris (PoP). PoP idols contain harmful chemicals that pollute water bodies. Clay idols dissolve easily in water.
Symbolic Immersion (Visarjan)
Immerse your clay idol at home in a bucket or a drum. The dissolved clay can then be used in your garden. This prevents the pollution of natural water bodies.
Natural Decorations
Use fresh flowers, leaves, and cloth for decorations instead of plastic and thermocol. These materials are biodegradable and look beautiful.
Reduce Waste
Minimize waste by using reusable plates and cutlery for serving prasad. Compost flower offerings and other organic materials after the puja.