Ganesh Chaturthi, a cherished festival in India, commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom and new beginnings. In 2024, the festival will be celebrated on September 7, which falls on a Saturday. This vibrant occasion is marked by joyous celebrations and deep devotion across the nation.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 will begin on September 7, a Saturday. The festivities start with the installation of intricately crafted Ganesha idols in homes and public spaces. Devotees will invite Lord Ganesha into their lives, seeking his blessings for prosperity, wisdom, and success.
On Ganesh Chaturthi, many devotees observe fasting, often avoiding certain foods throughout the day. The fasting practices can vary, but generally, people refrain from consuming grains and pulses. Instead, they enjoy fruits, nuts, and milk-based offerings as part of their puja (worship) to Lord Ganesha.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with remarkable enthusiasm in states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Temporary structures known as pandals are set up to house the idols, and these often feature themes ranging from traditional to modern issues, drawing large crowds of devotees.
During the festival, special sweets like modaks and laddoos, which are considered Lord Ganesha’s favorites, are prepared and offered to the deity. The aarti ceremony involves performing a ritual with a lit lamp while singing devotional songs in praise of Lord Ganesha.
On the final day of the festival, the Ganesha idol is taken out in a grand procession, accompanied by chanting and drumbeats, for immersion in water. This ritual represents the natural cycle of creation and dissolution.
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on environmentally friendly practices during Ganesh Chaturthi. Many people now choose clay idols and natural materials for decorations to reduce the environmental impact of the immersion process.
