Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, is a major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity who is widely worshipped as the remover of obstacles. Lord Ganesha is often called upon at the beginning of new ventures, intellectual pursuits, or business activities for his blessings.
This 10-day festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and devotion, particularly in India, but also by Hindus worldwide. Lord Ganesha, who is also known by names such as Gajanana, Dhoomraketu, Ekdanta, Vakratunda, and Siddhi Vinayaka, is venerated as the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.
The festivities begin on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, usually falling between August and September. During this time, beautifully crafted clay idols of Lord Ganesha are placed in homes, temples, and public stages called pandals, where they are worshipped through various rituals and ceremonies.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 is a lively festival that honors Lord Ganesha and holds deep importance in Hindu tradition. Spanning 10 days, this celebration marks the birth of Ganesha, who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom.
The festival embodies the values of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Ganesha idols, often crafted from clay and adorned with bright colors, are worshipped before being immersed in water, symbolizing the cycle of life and renewal.
Ganesh Utsav brings communities together, fostering unity and joy, while encouraging devotion, self-reflection, and spiritual growth. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, kindness, and compassion in our daily lives.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Date
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated every year on the Chaturthi tithi of Shukla Paksha, lasting for 10 days, with the final day marked as Ganesh Visarjan. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on Saturday, September 7, and the immersion, Ganesh Visarjan, will take place on Tuesday, September 17. The auspicious time for the Ganesh Chaturthi puja, or muhurat, will be from 11:03 am to 1:34 pm.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Shubh Muhurat
Check the table below for the auspicious timing of Ganesh Chaturthi 2024:
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Shubh Muhurat | |||
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Event | Date and Day | Time | Duration |
Ganesha Chaturthi | 7th September 2024, Saturday | ||
Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat | 7th September 2024, Saturday | 11:03 AM to 01:34 PM | 02 Hours 31 Mins |
Time to Avoid Moon Sighting | 6th September 2024, Friday | 03:01 PM to 08:16 PM | 05 Hours 15 Mins |
Ganesha Visarjan | 17th September 2024, Tuesday |
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Timing (City-Wise)
The following table provides the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat timings for various cities across India on Ganesha Chaturthi, 7th September 2024.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Timing (City-Wise) | |
---|---|
City | Puja Muhurat Timing |
Pune | 11:18 AM to 01:47 PM |
New Delhi | 11:03 AM to 01:34 PM |
Chennai | 10:53 AM to 01:21 PM |
Jaipur | 11:09 AM to 01:40 PM |
Hyderabad | 11:00 AM to 01:28 PM |
Gurgaon | 11:04 AM to 01:35 PM |
Chandigarh | 11:05 AM to 01:36 PM |
Kolkata | 10:20 AM to 12:49 PM |
Mumbai | 11:22 AM to 01:51 PM |
Bengaluru | 11:04 AM to 01:31 PM |
Ahmedabad | 11:23 AM to 01:52 PM |
Noida | 11:03 AM to 01:33 PM |
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 History and Significance
Maa Parvati created Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, knowledge, prosperity, and happiness, using sandalwood paste. She asked Ganesha to guard the entrance while she took a bath. When Lord Shiva, unaware of Ganesha’s identity, tried to enter, Ganesha, following his mother’s orders, blocked his way. Angered by this, Lord Shiva severed Ganesha’s head.
When Maa Parvati saw what had happened, she was devastated and took on the fearsome Kaali form, threatening to destroy the world. Realizing the situation, Lord Shiva ordered his followers to find the head of a child whose mother was not watching. They brought back the head of a baby elephant, which was then placed on Ganesha’s body, bringing him back to life as the elephant-headed god.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a significant festival for Hindus, as they believe that praying to Lord Ganesha brings wisdom, success, and good fortune. Whether starting a new venture, taking an exam, getting married, or beginning a new job, devotees seek his blessings for success and prosperity.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Rituals and Celebrations
Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant festival that unites communities across India. Celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm, people from various backgrounds come together to honor Lord Ganesha. Beyond its religious significance, the festival also plays a crucial role in cultural and social life, acting as a unifying force and a stage for artistic expression.
This festival breaks down social barriers, welcoming people of all castes, creeds, and religions to celebrate Lord Ganesha’s divine presence. To ensure a successful and auspicious Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024, devotees should follow traditional rituals and customs:
- Morning Rituals: Start the day early with a bath and clean attire, embracing purity and devotion.
- Idol Placement: Place the Ganesha idol on a decorated platform covered with red or yellow cloth, symbolizing auspiciousness.
- Offerings: Present offerings such as Ganga Jal, a lit diya, haldi-kumkum tilak, Laddoos or Modaks, flowers, and fruits.
- Decoration: Adorn the area around the idol with decorative items, creating an inviting atmosphere.
- Pooja and Chanting: Begin the worship with the “Om Gan Ganpataye Namah” mantra, followed by sacred recitations and devotional songs.
- Temple Visits: For those who cannot bring Ganesha home, visiting temples to offer prayers is encouraged.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of Lord Ganesha’s divine qualities and a time for spiritual reflection. The festival continues to inspire unity and joy, celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage.
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Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 FAQs
Q.1. What is the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ans. Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.
Q.2. When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2024?
Ans. Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 falls on Saturday, September 7, with the immersion (Visarjan) on Tuesday, September 17.
Q.3. What are the key rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ans. Key rituals include placing a decorated Ganesha idol, offering prayers, chanting mantras, and performing aarti. The festival ends with the immersion of the idol.
Q.4. Why is Ganesha called the remover of obstacles?
Ans. Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles because he is believed to provide wisdom and guidance, helping devotees overcome challenges in their endeavors.
Q.5. How long does Ganesh Chaturthi last?
Ans. The festival lasts for 10 days, starting on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada and concluding with Ganesh Visarjan on the tenth day.