1. About Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi

Other Names - Vinayaka Chaturthi, Vinayaka Chavithi.

Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi in Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu, Chavath in Konkani and as Chathaa in Nepal Bhasa.

Occasion - Religious Festival

Period - 10 to 11 Days

Timing - Lunar Month of Bhadrapada

Reason- Birth of Lord Ganesha 

The Ganeshotsav (meaning the grand festival of Ganesha) commences on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi and ends after a period of ten days on Anant Chaturdashi. The festival marks the celebration of birth of Lord Ganesha.

According to Hindu Calendar, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day of Shukla Paksha (period of waxing moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. This concurs with the month of August or September of English (Gregorian) Calendar.

The festival begins with the initiation of worship of idol of Lord Ganesha on the day of Chaturthi and concludes with the immersion of idol (Visarjan) on the day of Anant Chaturdashi. There is a mass gathering and gala street procession on the day of Anant Chaturdashi.

With the onset of Ganeshotsav on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaauth), worship of Lord Ganesha commences. It is stated in scriptures that Ganesha was born during   Madhyahna (midday according to Hindu astrology) and hence it is the most preferred time of worship.

Vinayaka Chaturthi is also known as Varad Vinayaka Chaturthi. Varad means “asking God to fulfill any desire one has”. Lord Ganesha blesses devotees with wisdom and patience who observe this fast. The wisdom and patience are two virtues whose significance is known to human kind since ages. Anyone who possesses these virtues can progress in life and can achieve whatever one desires.