Date, History, Significance: All You Need To Know About Ganesh Chaturthi 2023

Considered one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated across India and in multiple other countries, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on September 19 this year, with Ganesh Visarjan to be observed on the tenth day on September 28.

The auspicious Hindu festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm among Indians, especially those in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Odisha. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the god of knowledge, wealth and new beginnings.

The son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha is believed to have taken birth on this day. He is always depicted with an elephant’s head, a muscular torso and four arms as it’s believed Lord Shiva had cut off his son’s head and replaced it with that of an elephant.

Ganesh Chaturthi holds great cultural and religious importance as devotees come together to worship the deity and seek his blessings. The annual festival’s main message is those who pray to him will be led toward a life of wisdom and knowledge and absolved of their sins.

At the beginning of the celebrations, Lord Ganesha statues are placed on raised platforms in homes or in beautifully decorated outdoor tents. The festival starts with a rite to bring the idols to life, followed by the 16 ways of expressing worship or shhodashopachara.

Vedic hymns are chanted, with the god offered coconut, jaggery and a sweet dumpling called modak that’s thought to be his favourite dish. At the end of the celebrations, idols are immersed in nearby rivers amid drumming, devotional singing and dancing.

The final ritual represents Lord Ganesha’s return to Mount Kailas, the home of his parents. The festival is known to foster community bonding and spiritual devotion. Additionally, it’s also known to offer millions a renewed sense of hope for a brighter future.