Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is just around the corner. This joyous occasion commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles and the embodiment of wisdom. According to the Hindu calendar, Ganesh Chaturthi falls during the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Bhadrapada month, typically coinciding with August or September in the Gregorian calendar.
This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will begin on Saturday, September 7th, 2024. The festival is celebrated for ten days, with devotees bringing home small idols of Lord Ganesha and offering prayers. The duration of worship can vary depending on individual preferences. Traditional offerings include satvik food (vegetarian dishes prepared without onion and garlic), along with delicacies like Ukadiche Modak (steamed dumplings filled with coconut and jaggery) and Churma Laddu (sweet balls made with flour, ghee, and nuts).
After the ten days of celebration, devotees immerse the idols in water bodies, signifying the return of Lord Ganesha to Mount Kailash. This ritual, known as Ganesh Visarjan, will take place on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024.
The Ganesh Chaturthi puja muhurrat (auspicious time for worship) falls between 11:03 am and 1:34 pm on September 7th.
Recognizing the influx of travelers during the festival, Indian Railways has announced the operation of 342 special trains throughout the next month. This initiative aims to accommodate the lakhs of people who travel from Mumbai to their native places in Konkan during the ten-day festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant and joyous occasion that brings together families and communities in celebration of Lord Ganesha’s blessings. It is a time for reflection, devotion, and the sharing of delicious food and traditional customs.
