Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Muhurta, Rituals, and Significance

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi and Ganeshotsav, is a joyous Hindu celebration honouring the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, particularly in Maharashtra, and other states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. Lord Ganesh, who is revered as the remover of all obstacles, is venerated before all other Hindu gods and deities.

The festival will be held from September 19 to September 28 this year.

Time for Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Shubh Muhurat and Tithi

According to the Drik Panchang, the auspicious time to welcome Lord Ganesha home on Chaturthi Tithi will begin on September 18 at 12:39 p.m. and end on September 19 at 1:43 p.m. The 10-day Ganesh Utsav festival will conclude with Ganpati Visarjan on September 28.

On September 19, 2023, the auspicious pooja muhurat time will be from 11:01 a.m. to 1:28 p.m.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2023: Date, Time, History, Rituals, Puja Vidhi, Mantras

Celebrations And Rituals

According to popular belief, Lord Ganesha is also known as Vighnaharta, or the one who eliminates all obstacles. In Hinduism, where nearly all rituals commence with his worship, he is of considerable importance.Lord Ganesha idols are created months in advance in preparation for this festival’s festivities.

Ganesh Chaturthi consists of four significant rituals: Pranapratishtha, Shodashopchara, Uttarpuja, and Visarjan puja. People adorn their dwellings with flowers, rangoli patterns, and clay statues of Lord Ganesha.On the day of Chaturthi, beautifully decorated Ganesh idols are also installed in puja pandals, homes, offices, and schools.

A cleric recites a mantra while performing the Pratishtha ritual. Following this, sixteen distinct rituals are performed, known as Shodashopachara puja.It is said that Modak, a popular sweet dumpling from Maharashtra, is Lord Ganesh’s preferred prasad.During the puja, Modak and other delicacies and fruits are offered to Lord Ganesh.

The festival is celebrated by chanting and playing religious hymns, dancing to drum beats, and preparing a delectable meal. The third major ritual of Ganesh Chaturthi is Uttarpuja, which is performed to send Lord Ganesh farewell.

On the tenth and final day of Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha’s deity is immersed in a nearby river with complete devotion in a ceremony known as Ganesh Visarjan. People chant, “Ganapati Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya,” which translates to “Farewell, Lord Ganesha; please return next year.”