Lifestyle Desk – Ganesh Chaturthi is a popular festival in India, celebrated with great joy, especially in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat. This festival is held to honor Lord Ganesha,who is known for removing obstacles, bringing wisdom, and bringing good luck. The festival lasts for ten days, starting on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September.
The Birth of Lord Ganesha
The story of Ganesh Chaturthi comes from old Hindu tales. Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, created Ganesha from the dirt of her body while she was getting ready for a bath. She wanted someone to guard the door while she bathed, so she brought Ganesha to life and told him not to let anyone inside.
Later, Lord Shiva returned home and wanted to enter, but little Ganesha stopped him because he didn’t know who Shiva was. Angry at being blocked, Lord Shiva cut off Ganesha’s head during their fight. When Parvati found out, she was heartbroken and demanded that Ganesha be brought back to life.
To make Parvati happy, Shiva ordered his followers to bring the head of the first living thing they found. They found an elephant, and that’s how Ganesha came back to life, but with an elephant’s head. This story shows that Ganesha is a symbol of wisdom, devotion, and protection.
Why Ganesh Chaturthi Is Celebrated
Ganesh Chaturthi, also called “Vinayaka Chaturthi,” celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. During this festival, people bring Ganesha idols into their homes or public places called “pandals.” They pray to Ganesha, give him offerings like sweets, and hold special ceremonies. The festival ends after ten days when the idols are taken to a river or ocean to be immersed in water. This is called “Visarjan,” and it represents sending Ganesha back to his home in the heavens.
In cities like Mumbai, the festival is celebrated on a huge scale, with big processions, music, dancing, and devotion. People pray to Ganesha for blessings like good health, wisdom, and help in overcoming problems.
An Eco-Friendly Change
In recent years, many people have started using eco-friendly Ganesha idols made from natural clay. This is because the traditional idols, made from materials like plaster of Paris, can harm rivers and oceans when they are immersed. The eco-friendly trend helps protect the environment while keeping the spirit of the festival alive.
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