Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival that reveres the birth of Lord Ganesha, holds a special place in the hearts of countless Indians, especially in the state of Maharashtra. This year, it falls between Tuesday, September 19, and Thursday, September 28. The arrival of Lord Ganesha signifies the commencement of the blessed ten-day festivities.
In the spirit of faith and devotion, let us humbly adhere to these traditional customs when inviting Lord Ganesha into our homes:
Choose an Auspicious Time: Seek guidance from a Hindu calendar or a revered priest to determine a propitious day and time, known as "muhurat," for inviting Lord Ganesha into your home.
Prepare the Sacred Space: Purify the area where you intend to place the idol. Create a dedicated altar or platform, often crafted from wood or metal, to host the idol. Embellish this space with fresh flowers, Rangoli art, and other adornments.
Acquire the Idol: Obtain or craft a Ganesha idol and perform the sacred "pranapratishtha" ritual to invoke the deity's presence into the idol. This ritual can be conducted by a priest or a knowledgeable family member.
Extend the Invitation and Procession: On the appointed day and time, extend a sincere invitation to Lord Ganesha with unwavering devotion and a pure heart. As you welcome the deity, recite prayers and mantras with deep reverence.
Placement: Position the Ganesha idol so that it faces either the east or north, both of which are considered auspicious directions. Offer prayers to the deity with fresh flowers, incense, and lamps, with the lit diya symbolizing the divine presence.
Daily Puja: Observe daily puja rituals dedicated to Lord Ganesha, which involve offering fresh flowers, modaks (sweet dumplings), fruits, incense, and other sacred items. Recite prayers, mantras, and devotional songs in honor of Lord Ganesha.
Offer Naivedya: In accordance with tradition, present naivedya (food) to Lord Ganesha, with modaks and laddus being favored sweets. Illuminate a lamp during morning and evening aarti.
Sustain Devotion and Purity: Throughout your worship of Lord Ganesha, maintain a profound sense of devotion and purity in your heart and actions. Seek the deity's blessings for the well-being of your family, the removal of obstacles, and success in your endeavors.
Immersion: On the festival's concluding day, partake in a grand procession to immerse the idol in a natural water body, such as a river, sea, or lake. This ritual symbolizes Lord Ganesha's return to his heavenly abode.
As we joyfully celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, let us do so with faith and prayer, cherishing the divine presence of Lord Ganesha in our homes and hearts.
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