Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Significance, date, puja timings, and importance

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi and Ganeshotsav, is a significant Hindu festival honoring Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, especially in Maharashtra, as well as in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, it marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles.

• Date and Duration: In 2023, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed from September 19 to September 28.
• Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat) and Tithi: According to the Drik Panchang, the auspicious time to welcome Lord Ganesha on Chaturthi Tithi will commence at 12:39 p.m. on September 18 and conclude at 1:43 p.m. on September 19. The ten-day Ganesh Utsav festival culminates on September 28 with Ganpati Visarjan.
• The puja muhurat for Ganesh Chaturthi in 2023 will be from 11:01 AM to 01:28 PM on September 19, 2023.
  
• Rituals and Celebrations: Lord Ganesha, known as Vighnaharta, is venerated at the outset of almost all Hindu rituals, signifying his paramount importance. Ganesh Chaturthi preparations commence months ahead with the crafting of Lord Ganesha's idols.

The festival involves four key rituals: Pranapratishtha, Shodashopachara, Uttarpuja, and Visarjan puja. Homes are adorned with floral decorations and rangoli designs, while clay idols of Lord Ganesha grace households, puja pandals, offices, and educational institutions on Chaturthi.

The Pranapratishtha ritual, led by a priest chanting mantras, initiates the festivities. Subsequently, the Shodashopachara puja encompasses 16 distinct rituals. Modak, a popular sweet dumpling from Maharashtra, is believed to be Lord Ganesh's favourite prasad and is offered during the puja, alongside other sweets and fruits.

Celebrations include singing devotional songs, rhythmic drumming, and the preparation of delectable meals. The third main ritual, Uttarpuja, signifies bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha.

On the tenth and final day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the idol of Lord Ganesha is immersed in a nearby river with utmost devotion, a ceremony known as Ganesh Visarjan. During this farewell, people chant "Ganapati Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya," signifying their hope for Lord Ganesha's return the following year.

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- With inputs from agencies

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