Ganesh Chaturthi

HISTORY

                 The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi finds its origin in the Maratha reign, with

Chatrapati Shivaji starting the festival. The belief lays in the story of the birth of Ganesha,

the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Although there are various stories attached to

his birth, the one most relevant is shared here. Goddess Parvati was the creator of Ganpati.

She, in the absence of Lord Shiva, used her sandalwood paste to create Ganesha and put

him to guard while she had gone for bathing. While she was gone, Lord Shiva got into a

fight with Ganesha as he did not allow him to enter, as per his mother`s orders. Enraged,

Lord Shiva cut off Ganesha`s head. When Parvati saw this sight, she took the form of

Goddess Kali and threatened to destroy the world. This worried everyone and they

requested Lord Shiva to find a solution and calm the rage of Goddess Kali. Shiva then

ordered all his followers to immediately go and find a child whose mother has her back

towards her child in negligence and bring his head. The first child seen by the followers

was that of an elephant and they, as ordered, cut his head and brought to Lord Shiva. Lord

Shiva immediately placed the head on Ganesha`s body and brought it to life again. The

rage of Maa Kali was calmed and Goddess Parvati was overwhelmed, once again. All the

Lords blessed Ganesha and the day is today celebrated for the same reason.

 CELEBRATION

                     Ganesh Chaturthi preparations commence from almost a month before the

festival. The celebrations last for around ten days (from Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to

Ananta Chaturdashi). On the first day a clay idol of Lord Ganesha is installed in homes.

Homes are decorated with flowers. Temples witness the visit of large number of devotees.

Poojas are performed and bhajans are chanted. Often, families gather together to celebrate

the festival. Localities organize and arrange for pandals and install large idols of Lord

Ganesha to celebrate the festival with friends and family. On the final day of the

celebrations, the idol of Lord Ganesha is taken on the streets. People exhibit their

enthusiasm and joy in the form of dancing and singing on the streets along with the idol.

 The idol is finally immersed in the river or sea. The day witnesses a large number of

devotees expressing their happiness and offering their prayers. more >>