Ganesh Chaturthi 2022

Ganesh Chaturthi 2022: Everything you need to know

India is the country of festivals and lights, and the festive season has already begun! People are again looking forward to Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the biggest festivals in India. Ganesh Chaturthi marks the beginning of the festive season in India. This event celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. 

It is said Lord Ganesh was born during the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi is on August 31, 2022.

The Rituals and the Legend behind Ganesha Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is the epitome of new beginnings. It just refreshes everything and sets the mood for a fresh start. The devotees believe that Lord Ganesh will bring happiness to their life, and brighten up everything that seems dull. It is popularly believed that Lord Ganesha was created during mid-day which makes it an auspicious moment for Ganesh Puja, commonly known as Shodashopachara Ganapati Puja.

On this day, the idols and statues of Lord Ganesha are taken home by the devotees to do Ganesh Sthapana, which is an important aspect of Ganesh Chaturthi. The whole event takes place over a time of ten days when the devotees pray to Lord Ganesha and offer bhog. This festival comes to an end when the idol of Lord Ganesha is immersed in the water, and this ritual is known as the Ganpati Visarjan. 

Date and Time for Ganesh Chaturthi

Devotees can start praying on August 31, from 11.05 AM and 1.00 PM. The figurine should also be set up during Puja Muhurta, which starts at 11.05 p.m. and continues till 1.38 p.m. 

The lagna for the Ganpati Visarjan is on Friday, September 9, which is Ganesh Chaturdashi.

Ingredients for the Puja

The Ingredients for the puja are known as the Puja Samagri. This Puja samagris include

• red cloth
• the statue of Lord Ganesha
• Incense sticks
• green cloth
• Akshat
• Kalava
• Panchmeva
• Gangajal cardamom,
• coconut
• Clove
• Paan
• Ghee
• Camphor
• Diyas and candles
• Flowers
• Sweets including Modak or Ladoo

Vidhi for Ganesh Chaturthi

There are a few steps that should be followed while performing the Vidhis for Ganesh Chaturthi. These are:

• The devotee should wake up early in the morning, take shower, wear clean clothes and then put the figurine of Lord Ganesha on the pedestal or the temple.
• The pedestal has to be cleaned with Gangajal, milk and ghee.
• The pedestal has to be covered with a red or green cloth. Red is preferred. The cloth has to be spread out evenly, after which an Akshat is to be placed on the cloth and then the statue of Lord Ganesha will be placed on the top.
• The devotees can decorate the pedestal, and dress up Lord Ganesha in some new outfits, or a crown and offer him garlands.
• A Kalash has to be placed, and this vidhi is known as Kalash Sthapana. A swastika sign has to be drawn on the Kalash, using kumkum.
• On the Kalash, mango leaves and coconut have to be placed, and this shouldn’t move at all.
• Panchmeva and Modak have to be offered to Ganpati Bappa, as those are his favorite food items.
• The devotees can offer him flowers, garlands, rolis and so on.
• The Aarti is the most important part, where all the members of the family have to be present and they have to eat the prasad only after aarti.
• Bhog should be offered thrice a day to Ganpati Bappa.
• Serving Modaks and Ladoos is a must.

So, these were all the vidhis, rituals and important points about Ganesh Chaturthi. Bappa is on his way, and we hope that this Ganesh Chathurthi, everyone gets what they desire and may Bappa’s blessing remain with us always and forever.