Introduction
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 and Hartalika Teej 2024 are two significant festivals that hold immense cultural and spiritual value in India, particularly in the Hindu tradition. Celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, these festivals mark a time of reverence, rituals, and vibrant festivities.
Hartalika Teej, observed mainly in states like Maharashtra and North India, honors the intense devotion of Goddess Parvati and her unwavering determination to marry Lord Shiva. This festival is celebrated by women, who observe a day-long fast and perform sacred rituals to seek blessings for marital bliss and happiness. In Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, this festival is known as Gowri Habba, where the divine bond between Goddess Gowri (Parvati) and her son, Lord Ganesha, is celebrated.
The next day of Hartalika Teej is Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most popular festivals across India. This 10-day festival, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings, begins on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September). The celebrations are marked by rituals, prayers, cultural activities, and grand processions, culminating in the immersion of the Ganesha idol (Visarjan). Let’s take a journey through the 10 days of Ganesh Chaturthi to explore the significance and festivities associated with each day.
Hartalika Teej/ Gowri Puja/Swarna Gouri Vratha
Hartalika Teej/ Gowri Puja Muhurat
September 6th, 2024, 06:09 AM to 08:36 AM
Hartalika Teej Vrat is observed on the Tritiya (third day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. On this day, temporary idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are made from sand and worshipped to seek blessings for marital harmony and progeny.
The name “Hartalika Teej” comes from a legend associated with the festival. The word “Hartalika” is derived from “Harat,” meaning “abduction,” and “Aalika,” meaning “female friend.” According to the legend, Goddess Parvati’s friend took her deep into the forest to prevent her father from marrying her to Lord Vishnu against her will.
The morning is considered an auspicious time to perform the Hartalika Puja. If a morning Puja is not possible, Pradosh time (evening) is also considered favorable for the Shiva-Parvati worship. The Puja is conducted after an early bath and dressing in fine clothes. The sand-made idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped, and the story of Hartalika is recited during the ceremony.
In Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, Hartalika Vrat is known as Gowri Habba.This festival is referred to as Hartalika Teej in Maharashtra and various other North Indian states. It is an important festival where women observe Swarna Gowri Vratha to seek Goddess Gowri’s blessings for a happy and prosperous married life.
Vinayak Chaturthi/ Ganesh Chaturthi 2024
The story behind Lord Ganesha, which is central to the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and highlights His birth, divine powers, and significance as the remover of obstacles.
Date and Puja Muhurat of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh/Vinayak Chaturthi Puja Muhurat
September 7th, 2024 , 11:04 AM to 01:31 PM
The Birth of Lord Ganesha
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. One day, while preparing for a bath, Goddess Parvati created a idol out of the sandalwood paste she used for her own body. She breathed life into this idol of a boy and instructed him to guard the entrance to her chambers while she bathed. This was Ganesha.
When Lord Shiva returned home and tried to enter the chambers, Ganesha, following his mother’s orders, blocked his path. Not knowing who he was and angered by his defiance, Lord Shiva, in a fit of rage, severed Ganesha’s head with his trident.
The Restoration of Ganesha
When Goddess Parvati discovered what had happened, she was heartbroken and furious. She demanded that her son be brought back to life. Realizing his mistake, Lord Shiva promised to revive Ganesha. He sent his followers (the Ganas) to find the head of the first living creature they encountered. They found an elephant, and upon returning with its head, Lord Shiva placed it on Ganesha’s body, bringing him back to life.
This act not only restored Ganesha but also bestowed upon him divine powers. Lord Shiva declared Ganesha as his son and granted him the status of being the leader of the Ganas (Shiva’s followers), hence the name Ganapati. He also blessed Ganesha to be the first deity to be worshiped before any other gods in all rituals and ceremonies, making Him the Vighnaharta, or remover of obstacles.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, symbolizes new beginnings, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles. Devotees celebrate this occasion with great fervor, invoking Ganesha’s blessings for prosperity, success, and protection.
This story of Lord Ganesha not only forms the foundation of Ganesh Chaturthi but also teaches important values such as duty, devotion, forgiveness, and the belief in divine intervention to overcome life’s challenges.
10 Days of Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration
Day 1: Ganesh Chaturthi (Sthapana and Pranapratishtha)
The festival begins with Ganesh Sthapana, placing of the Ganesha idol in homes and public pandals (temporary stages). The idols, ranging from small to massive, are beautifully crafted and adorned with flowers and ornaments. Next, the Pranapratishtha ritual is performed, where priests or family members invoke the divine presence of Lord Ganesha into the idol. This is followed by the chanting of Vedic hymns and mantras, and the offering of sweets, fruits, and flowers. Modak, Ganesha’s favorite sweet, is a must-offer during this time. The atmosphere is charged with devotion and excitement as devotees welcome their beloved deity.
Day 2: Ganesh Puja and Offerings
On the second day, devotees continue to offer prayers and perform daily rituals. Each day during Ganesh Chaturthi, special offerings (Naivedya) are prepared and presented to Lord Ganesha. Modaks, laddus, and other sweets, along with coconuts, durva (a type of grass), and red hibiscus flowers, are offered as part of the puja. Devotees often chant the Ganesha Atharvashirsha and sing devotional songs (bhajans) to praise the deity. The spiritual atmosphere deepens as families and communities gather for prayers.
Day 3: Ganesha Shodashopachara Puja
The third day is marked by the Shodashopachara Puja, which involves 16 different forms of offering to Lord Ganesha. These offerings include invocation (avahan), water (achaman), flowers (pushpa), and incense (dhoop), among others. This elaborate ritual is performed to show complete devotion and to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for the removal of obstacles and the fulfillment of desires. In some regions, cultural programs and activities like music, dance, and theatre performances also begin on this day, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India.
Day 4: Vinayaka Chaturthi Vrat (Fasting and Devotion)
On the fourth day, many devotees observe a fast (Vrat) in honor of Lord Ganesha. This fast is believed to purify the mind and body, enhancing spiritual devotion. Some devotees follow a strict fast, refraining from food and water, while others consume fruits and milk. The day is spent in meditation, prayer, and reflection on Ganesha’s teachings. In temples and pandals, special aartis (rituals of waving lamps) are performed, and the sound of drums and bells fills the air as devotees sing and dance in praise of the deity.
Day 5: Ganesha Panchami and Family Rituals
On the fifth day, known as Ganesha Panchami, families come together to perform special rituals for the well-being and prosperity of the household. It is believed that worshipping Ganesha on this day removes financial obstacles and brings success in business and career. The day is marked by the recitation of Ganesha Stotras (hymns) and the offering of special dishes prepared at home. The sense of community and family bonding is strong as everyone participates in the celebrations.
Day 6: Saraswati Avahan (Invocation of Goddess Saraswati)
On the sixth day, many devotees also invoke Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and the arts. This day signifies the beginning of educational and cultural activities. In schools and educational institutions, students and teachers offer prayers to both Ganesha and Saraswati for success in academics. In pandals, cultural performances like music, dance, and dramas dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Saraswati are organized, adding a creative and artistic dimension to the celebrations.
Day 7: Public Celebrations and Community Events
As the festival progresses, the public celebrations reach their peak. On the seventh day, community events and social gatherings are organized, bringing people together from different walks of life. In Maharashtra, large public pandals, which house massive Ganesha idols, become the center of attraction. People from all over the city visit these pandals to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Charity events, blood donation camps, and social awareness campaigns are also held during this time, reflecting the festival’s spirit of giving and community service.
Day 8: Maha Ganesha Aarti
As the festival nears its conclusion, preparations for Ganesha Visarjan (immersion) begin on the eighth day. The eighth day is often highlighted by the grand Maha Aarti, where large gatherings of devotees come together to sing praises of Lord Ganesha. This day also involves offering special sweets and prasadam (blessed food) to the deity. The aartis and prayers become more intense, and the sense of devotion reaches its peak.
Day 9: Ganesha Visarjan Preparations Begin (Final Offerings and Farewell Rituals)
The ninth day, the eve of Anant Chaturdashi, is dedicated to final prayers and offerings. Devotees perform special pujas and aartis, offering sweets, fruits, and flowers to Lord Ganesha for the last time before the immersion. The evening is marked by cultural programs, music, and dance performances, celebrating the joy and blessings that Ganesha has brought during his stay. The atmosphere is both festive and emotional as devotees prepare for the farewell.
Day 10: Anant Chaturdashi (Ganesh Visarjan)
In the month of Bhadrapada, the Chaturdashi of Shukla Paksha is known as Anant Chaturdashi, also referred to as Anant Chaudas. On this day, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Yamuna, and Sheshnag are worshiped, and the sacred Anant Sutra is tied. This day also marks the conclusion of Ganesh Utsav. The tradition of tying the Anant Sutra on Anant Chaturdashi holds special significance, as it is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in this sacred thread. After performing the rituals and worship of Lord Vishnu, the Anant Sutra, which contains 14 knots representing the 14 worlds, is tied on the arm.
Anant Chaturdashi is considered the most important day to worship Lord Vishnu in His Anant form, with devotees observing a day-long fast in His honor.
The day begins with a final puja, and then the idol of Lord Ganesha is carried in a grand procession to a river, sea, or lake for immersion. The Visarjan processions are a sight to behold, with devotees dancing, singing, and chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya!”. The immersion symbolizes the cycle of birth and death, as well as the belief that Ganesha, after removing the obstacles and blessing his devotees, returns to his heavenly abode. The festival concludes with the promise of Ganesha’s return next year, and devotees carry home his blessings, feeling rejuvenated and hopeful.
Conclusion
The 10-day celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant and spiritually enriching experience that brings together families, communities, and cities. It is a time for devotion, cultural expression, and social service. As the festival evolves, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices and community welfare, Ganesh Chaturthi continues to be a beacon of hope, wisdom, and prosperity for millions. Whether celebrated in a grand public pandal or in the intimacy of one’s home, the presence of Lord Ganesha leaves a lasting impact on all who partake in the festivities.
Consult Dr. Pandit Pavan Sharma Guruji, a renowned astrologer and vastu expert in Bangalore, to align your celebrations with astrological insights and vastu principles. Make your Ganesh Chaturthi truly auspicious by seeking personalized guidance today!