The auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with immense enthusiasm by Hindus across the country each year. Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, this festival marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha and spans ten days. It is observed on the Chaturthi tithi of Shukla Paksha.
The final day, called Ganesh Visarjan, involves devotees immersing the idols of Lord Ganesha in water and offering prayers. While the festival is celebrated throughout India, it is particularly spectacular in Maharashtra. Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated from September 7 to September 17 this year.
Significance Of Ganesh Chaturthi In Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai and Pune, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with immense enthusiasm. While preparations begin weeks in advance, devotees throng markets to shop for ritual items, and artists from across the country come to Mumbai to display their talents.
Ganesh idols even reach heights of 15 to 20 feet and take weeks to complete. Enthusiastic devotees go with families to bring Bappa home.
The idols are also brought to communities, offices, or giant pandals where they are decorated with flowers, sweets, offerings, and lights.
At home, the idols are worshipped in the same manner for ten days till the visarjan.
On the final day of the festival, the idol is immersed in the sea. With grand processions in the evening, devotees wear new clothes, recite final prayers, and begin the journey towards the sea, accompanied by music and dancing.
The lively procession attracts even those who don’t participate in the festival, drawing them out to witness the vibrant celebration. When the procession reaches the sea, devotees immerse the idols in the water, symbolising the departure of Lord Ganesh and with a hope that he will return the next year to bring renewed joy and relief.
Iconic Mandals
Mumbai is home to some of the most famous Ganesh mandals, like Lalbaugcha Raja and GSB Seva Mandal, attracting millions of devotees. Each mandal competes to create the most impressive idol and intricate decorations.
Cultural Richness
Pune’s Ganesh Chaturthi is steeped in tradition, with iconic mandals like Kasba Ganapati and Tambdi Jogeshwari leading the celebrations.
Both places see classical music performances, cultural shows and dhol-tasha (drum) processions that add to the festive spirit. Besides bringing the idols home, devotees also observe a fast during the festival.
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