Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals celebrated throughout the India and especially in Maharastra. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It falls on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August-September). Ganesh Chaturthi festival lasts for 10 days, ending on the day of “Ananta Chaturdashi”. Ganesh Chaturthi 2009 is celebrated on 23rd August 2009.

Ganesha is known as the god of wisdom and prosperity. He is also known as Vignaharta, the waiver of all obstacles in the path of devotion. He is invoked before the beginning of any auspicious work by the Hindus. It is believed that for the fulfilment of one’s desires, his blessing is absolutely necessary.

Ganesh Chauth Katha:

According to the Hindu mythology, Ganesha is known as the son of Shiva and Parvati, brother of Kartikeya. The katha of ganesh chaturthi is very famous among Indians. There are many stories related to Lord Ganesha life and activities. One of the famous Katha is as follows:
Once Lord Shiva was out of home and Parvati created Ganesha out of the sandalwood dough that she used for her bath and breathed life into him. Letting him stand guard at the door she went to have her bath. She told him not to allow anyone while she was taking bath.

After some time Lord Shiva return to the home tired and thirsty. Ganesh stopped Lord Shiva at gate following the order of his mother Paravati. This made Lord Shiva very angry and they both fought with each other. Finally Lord Shiva severed Ganesha’s head and entered his house.
Parvati, learning that her son was dead, was distraught and became very sad. To console her, Lord Shiva ordered his servants to cut off and bring to him the head of any creature that might be sleeping with its head facing in the north. The servants went in all directions and found an elephant sleeping in that position. They brought the elephant and Lord Shiva cut off the head of an elephant and fixed it on the body of Ganesha. In this way Lord Ganesha got elephant head.

Parvati was still unhappy for her child’s figure was made one like elephants. She feared that it may lead to his dishonour. Then Lord Shiva announced that everyone who worships Ganesha before any other form of God is favoured. He declared that Ganesh should be worshiped at the beginning of all undertakings, marriages, expeditions, studies, etc. He said that the annual worship of Ganesha should take place on the 4th day of the bright half of Bhadrapada. This made Parvati happy and so it has become custom to worship Ganesha first in all Hindu occasions and festivals.

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations:

Huge Ganesha idols, made of clay, are installed in street corners and in homes. Elaborate arrangements are made for lighting, decoration, mirrors and the most common of flowers. Several Pujas are performed daily to the idols till their immersion. The magnificent and elegant idols range from few inches to 30 meters in height. These idols are then carried on decorated floats to be immersed in the sea after one, three, five, seven and ten days. Thousands of processions converge on the beaches to immerse the holy idols in the sea. This procession and immersion is accompanied by drum-beats, devotional songs and dancing. The idol is immersed with great devotion and reverence hailing “Ganesh Maharaj Ki Jai”. The festival ends with pleas to Ganesha to return the next year with chants of “Ganpati bappa morya, pudcha varshi laukar ya”.