Why do we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
Why do we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesha, the God of wealth, sciences, knowledge, wisdom and prosperity, and that's why most Hindus remember him and seek his blessings before starting any important work. And the auspicious Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great devotion by all the Hindus.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated to honor the elephant-headed God Ganesha's birthday. He is the younger son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The most popular legend that is believed regarding Ganesha's birth is as follows: Goddess Parvati created Ganesha out of dirt off her body while having a bath and set him to guard her door while she finishes her bath. Shiva who has gone out, returned at that time, but as Ganesha didn't know of him, stopped him from entering. An angry Shiva severed the head of Ganesha after a combat between the two. Parvati was enraged and Shiva promised Ganesha will live again. The devas who went in search of a head facing north of a dead person could manage only the head of an elephant. Shiva fixed the elephant's head on the child and brought him back to life.
Thus this festival is celebrated by all the devotees.
When did Ganesh Chaturthi began to be celebrated?
The Indian mythology and scriptures suggest that the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi was started in the tenure of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He started this festival to keep the culture and patriotism alive in the hearts of people.
This had been continued until Peshwa’s ruled Maharashtra.
After that, freedom fighter Baal Ganga Dhar Tilak started this festival again during the independence movement to unite people.
How is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
In Maharashtra, Ganesh Chaturthi is known as Ganeshotsav. Families install small clay statues for worship during the festival. The Murti (idol) is worshiped in the morning and evening with offerings of flowers, durva, karanji and modaks. The worship ends with the singing of an aarti in honour of Ganesh, and other Gods. In Maharashtra the Marathi aarti "Sukhakarta Dukhaharta", is sung. Family traditions differ about when to end the celebration. Domestic celebrations end after 1 1⁄2, 3, 5, 7 or 11 days. At that time the Murti is ceremoniously brought to a body of water (such as a lake, river or the sea) for immersion.
In Maharashtra, Ganeshotsav also incorporates other festivals, namely Hartalika and the Gauri festival.
Public celebrations of the festival are popular, enough popular, and are organised by local youth groups, neighbourhood associations or groups of tradespeople. Funds for the public festival are collected from members of the association arranging the celebration, local residents and businesses. The Ganesh idols and accompanying statues are installed in temporary shelters, known as mandaps or pandals. The festival features cultural activities such as singing, theatre and orchestral performances and community activities such as free medical checkups, blood-donation sites and donations to the poor.
Ganesh Chaturthi, in addition to its religious aspects, is an important economic activity in many places. Many artists, industries, and businesses earn a significant amount of their living from the festival. Members of other religions also participate in the celebration.
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That's all about the history of this festival. Hope you learnt something. Wish you a very happy Ganesh Chaturthi.
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I thought it would be better not to delete or revamp these posts, even if they suck. The bitter truth is that old works always suck, but I take that as a positive tool to convey that I am growing. Besides there's no better way to showcase my journey without these old, messy, poorly written posts!
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