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Cultural and religious observances – August 29-September 4, 2022

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Ganesh Chaturthi

Culture/religion: Hindu
Date: August 31

Picture of Lalbaugh Ganesha
Ganesha. Photo credit: Nate Powell, Wikimedia Commons

Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day Hindu festival celebrating the anniversary of the birth of the elephant-headed god Ganesha. Ganesha is known as the god of wealth, sciences, knowledge, wisdom and prosperity, and many Hindus seek his blessing before beginning any important work.

Four main rituals are performed during the 10-day festival: Pranapratishhtha, Shhodashopachara, – offering prayer to Ganesha’s idol in 16 different ways; Uttarpuja – bidding farewell to Ganesha with deep respect; and Ganpati Visarjan – a ceremony where the statue of Ganesha is carried to the sea and placing it in the water. Ganesh idols are decorated with flowers, garlands and lights and placed in homes, temples and other locations.

It is thought those who pray to Ganesha are set free of sins and set on a path of knowledge and wisdom.

Sources:

Ganesh Chaturthi, Wikipedia

Ganesh Chaturthi 2019: History, Importance and Rituals of Vinayaka Chavithi, Times of India