Ganesh Chaturthi

The Significance of Lord Ganesha The God for All Reasons

Everybody knows the story of Lord Ganesha – perhaps, the most-favored, or favorite, of our gods. Yet, there’s more to the fascinating elephant-headed god’s tale than what meets our mind. The Ganesha legend is a blessing – and, for all the good reasons. Because, unlike many fairy-tales, or myths – be it Indian, or Western – with their sometimes tragic results, everybody in the story is happy. Most of us know the story of how Ganesha celestially “evolved,” thanks to Parvati’s grace – Her little guard on duty as She goes for a bath. Her diktat: do not allow anyone, whosoever the visitor maybe. When Shiva Himself comes, He is stopped by Ganesha, who remains rock-solid even in the light of Shiva’s all-encompassing powerful presence. The rest is history. The best part – all is well as Shiva, Ganesha’s father, gets him the famous elephant-head, and continues with His contemplation, Parvati, the mother, maintains Her sovereignty, and the son, Ganesha, lives on, “restored,” as scholar A K Ramanujan, put it, “to proximity with His mother.” In so doing, the Ganesha narrative also brings a fresh structure to the amazingly divine event – a new model of father-son and mother-son relationship for our contemporary society. It goes without saying that Parvati used Her great powers to declare that Ganesha be raised to the level of God, and given very important tasks. Hence, Ganesha became the God in charge of removing obstacles, and also categories – a God, who plays a big part in lending a helping hand to all human endeavors. Besides, He also facilitates us in all beginnings – the beginning of a journey, a business, a job, a project, or think of what you may. What appeals most to every devotee – from kids to grown-ups – is Ganesha’s lovely paunch. It tells us why He’s so fond of sweets! Not why He has four arms – each with a special power for an especial “favor!” The elephant in Him represents the greater Cosmos, or the macrocosm – or, all that is beyond the Moon and stars. His human body mirrors the small Cosmos, or the microcosm. A Ganesha idol – an indispensable element of every home – depicts a human being having in one’s persona the entire Cosmos, with all its spiritual energies and authority. Interestingly, there are other parallels to the Ganesha divinity. The closest Western “chronicle” that is analogous to the Ganesha story is Penelope and her son, Telemachus, while Odysseus is

away. Telemachus is his mother’s guardian. He is her only male ally. Penelope puts her suitors – who think that Odysseus is most likely lost – off by tricking them. And, when Odysseus finally arrives, after triumphing over dangerous forces, we have a likeness to the moment of Shiva’s unexpected return to Parvati. However this maybe, there’s a novel dimension to the Ganesha legend than any other. Ganesha stands as a doorkeeper when His mother takes bath. But, He also reflects a mother’s grieving, in the aftermath of Shiva’s homecoming. More so, because, every mother wants her son to receive a “new head,” not in the literal sense, but when what was sweet and delicious in their past together, is gone, as a “new head” is placed. Hence, when the little boy, Ganesha, receives a new elephant head, He becomes somehow a part of the Universe in a much deeper sense than before. He has, quite simply, transformed, or shifted, from the maternal realm to the social, and spiritual, world. In a purely Indian context, Ganesha’s head symbolizes the Atman [soul] -- the ultimate, or the supreme, reality of human existence. His human body signifies maya, or illusion – the earthly existence of human beings. The elephant head signifies wisdom, and the trunk epitomizes Om – the sound emblem of cosmic reality. Ganesha also holds a goad, in His upper right hand, which helps Him to thrust mankind forward on the eternal path, and eliminate impediments on the way. What about the strap in His left hand? It is but a gentle tool to arrest all difficulties – surmountable and insurmountable. As far as the broken tusk Ganesha holds like a “pen” is concerned, it is a symbol of sacrifice – one that He split for scripting the Mahabharata. The rosary suggests that the quest for knowledge should be constant. The sweets He holds in His trunk indicate that one must discover the everlasting sweetness of the eternal Atman. Also, Ganesha’s fan-like ears convey that He is all ears to our pleas. This is not all. The snake “encapsulating” His waist represents energy in all forms, albeit Ganesha is Himself modest enough to navigate the world astride the humble mouse. The Ganesha story brings home an original message: that we must all do our own deeds out of inclination in our own world, and for our own reasons. Also, we must firmly hold to our own centre, without pulling our gods far out of their centre, or asking them for special “gifts” like a new car, or winning a lottery! Reason: it’s only when devotion is observed without any ulterior motive can we purify our mind and receive God’s – in Ganesh Chaturthi’s perspective, Lord Ganesha’s – Grace.

Another Story There is also a story behind the symbolic snake, rat and the singular tusk. During one of his birthdays, His mother, Parvati, cooked for him twenty-one types of delicious food and a lot of

sweet porridge. Ganesha ate so much that even his big belly could not contain it. Mounting his little mouse, he embarked on his nightly rounds. His mouse suddenly stumbled upon seeing a huge snake. To adjust His belly, Ganesha put the snake on as a belt around his stomach. All of a sudden, he heard laughter emanating form the sky. He looked up and saw the moon mocking him. Ganesha infuriated, broke off one of his tusks and hurled it at the moon. Parvati, seeing this, immediately cursed the moon that whoever looks at it on Ganesh Chaturthi will be accused of a wrong doing. The symbology behind the mouse and snake and Ganesha's big belly and its relationship to the moon on his birthday is highly philosophic. The whole cosmos is known to be the belly of Ganesha. Parvati is the primordial energy. The seven realms above, seven realms below and seven oceans, are inside the cosmic belly of Ganesha, held together by the cosmic energy (kundalini ) symbolized as a huge snake which Ganesha ties around Him. The mouse is nothing but our ego. Ganesha, using the mouse as a vehicle, exemplifies the need to control our ego. One who has controlled the ego has Ganesha consciousness or God-consciousness. Myths Do Not Look At The Moon On The Night Of The Ganesh Chaturthi There is a myth which says that anyone who looks at the moon on the night of Ganesh Chaturthi will be falsely accused of something. If a person happens to see the moon unintentionally, listening to or reciting the story of the syamantaka jewel (found in the Puranas) can help ward off trouble. If the incident is intentional, then the person will have to face the consequences. The basis of this myth is in a very popular legend related to Lord Ganesha, who is known to be very fond of sweet, especially laddoos. Lord Ganesha, on one of His birthdays, was going around house to house, accepting the offerings of sweets. He ate a good number of the sweets and set out at night, on his mouse. Suddenly, the mouse stumbled, as it saw a snake and became frightened. The result was that Ganeshji fell down. His stomach burst open and all the sweets came out. However, Ganeshji stuffed them back into his stomach and caught hold of the snake and tied it around his belly. The moon saw Lord Ganesha doing all this and started laughing his heart out. This behavior of the moon annoyed the Lord immensely. So, he pulled out one of his tusks and hurled it against the moon. At the same time, Ganeshji cursed the moon that no one would look at it, on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. If anyone does, he will surely earn a bad name. Since then, people refrain from looking at the moon, on the night of the festival.

Beliefs Ganeshji Removes Obstacles And Brings Prosperity Lord Ganesha is the favorite God of the masses. In India, a new venture is never started without worshipping the Lord. Ganeshji is worshipped first on all auspicious occasions, whether it is a marriage or a religious function. Ganeshji is the foremost god of the Hindu Pantheon. Any new project or venture that a Hindu family undertakes has to start with His name. In fact, most of the housewives utter His name before even starting a small chore, as He is believed to be the remover of all sankat (obstacles). Lord Ganesha is believed to fulfill the wishes and dreams of all those who pray to him sincerely. He has long been associated with commerce and merchants pay homage to him every day. If an Indian business or bank fails, all the images of Ganeshji in the offices will be turned upside down, signifying bad luck. In households, it's common for small offerings of money, flowers and food to be placed before the image of Ganeshji. These tokens please him and He brings more prosperity, wealth and peace to the family. Ganesh Chaturthi and BAL GANGADHAR TILAK Ganesh Chaturthi is a major festival of Maharashtra, where thousands of gigantic idols of lord Ganesh are immersed by huge processions of worshipers shouting, Ganpati Bapa Morya. With time, the festival has now gained popularity all over India, with celebrations in south India and Gujarat being no less spectacular than those of Maharashtra. The year 1893 brought a major change in the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. It was in this year that Lokmanya Tilak, an Indian nationalist, social reformer and freedom fighter reformed the annual Ganesh festival, from being a private celebration into a grand public event. Till 1893, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations were a private affair, not done on a public scale. People used to celebrate it in a traditional manner. It was Lokmanya Tilak who popularized Ganesh Chaturthi as a national festival, after visualizing its cultural importance. The reason for this was to enhance the sense of belongingness as well as togetherness among the citizens. It was also done with an aim to build a new grassroots unity between the Brahmins and the non-Brahmins. History Ganesh Chaturthi was an important festival during the Peshwa rule in Maharashtra. It acquired a more organized form all over India during the Swaraj movement, when Lord Ganesha was chosen as a rallying point for protest against British rule, because of his wide appeal as "the God for Everyman". One of Tilak's strongest movements to evoke nationalism, through religious passions, was the organization of Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra, which inspired feelings of Hindu unity in the state.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak was the first person to install large public images of Ganesha in pavilions and he was the one who established the practice of submerging all the public images on the tenth day of the festival. Ganesh Chaturthi soon started seeing community participation and involvement, in the form of cultural events. It also served as a meeting point for common people of all castes and communities, at a time when social and political gatherings were forbidden by the British Rule. Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and many other parts of India. Started by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, the great Maratha ruler, to promote culture and nationalism, the festival was revived by Lokmanya Tilak (a freedom fighter) to spread the message of freedom struggle and to defy the British who had banned public assemblies. The festival gave the Indians a feeling of unity and revived their patriotic spirit and faith. This public festival formed the background for political leaders who delivered speeches to inspire people against the Western rule. The festival is so popular that the preparations begin months in advance. Ganesha statues installed in street corners and in homes, and elaborate arrangements are made for lighting, decoration, mirrors and the most common of flowers. Poojas (prayer services) are performed daily. The artists who make the idols of Ganesh compete with each other to make bigger and more magnificent and elegant idols. The relevantly larger ones are anything from 10 meters to 30 meters in height. These statues are then carried on decorated floats to be immersed in the sea after one, three, five, seven and ten days. Thousands of processions converge on the beaches to immerse the holy idols in the sea. This procession and immersion is accompanied by drum- beats, devotional songs and dancing. It is still forbidden to look at the moon on that day as the moon had laughed at Ganesha when he fell from his vehicle, the rat. With the immersion of the idol amidst the chanting of "Ganesh Maharaj Ki Jai!" (Hail Lord Ganesh). The festival ends with pleas to Ganesha to return the next year with chants of "Ganpati bappa morya, pudcha varshi laukar ya" (Hail Lord Ganesh, return again soon next year. How is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated Every year the entire world sees the Indian community celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with great enthusiasm and participation. Preparations for this sacred festival begin months in advance and the actual day of celebration sees a grand observance of the occasion complete with elaborate execution of traditional rituals, singing of devotional songs, fervid dancing, cracker-bursting and loud chanting of "Ganpati bappa morya..." TheHolidaySpot brings to you a precise article on the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi. Learn how Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated annually in

India and the different customs that mark Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. If you like our article "How is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated", do not forget to click here and refer it to your friends and loved ones. Shubh Ganesh Chaturthi! Each locality makes its own special pandal. People attribute considerable social significance to the pandals as communities compete with each other to put up a more outstanding one. Each pandal has a different priest. Amidst much fanfare and revelry, the priest installs the idol of Ganesha in the locality to the chanting of shlokas (Sanskrit holy verses). Special prasad and food (cooked without onions and garlic) are prepared to mark the first day of the puja. Aarti (a ritualistic puja with hymns) is performed twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. Most people of the community attend the evening aarti. They actually rush home from work to take part in the festivities and gather around the brightly-lit Ganesha. People offer prasad of modaks or peras (a type of sweetmeat), coconut, hibiscus or any other red flower, sheaves of grass, vermilion, turmeric powder and rice. The prasad can be bought from the little stalls or puja shops all over town. During Ganesh Chaturthi, in most parts of the country people offer prasad to the image of Ganesha in their mini temples at home. The entire family wears fresh and clean clothes and assembles in the sacrosanct area. As they sing hymns, everyone is given some flowers and rice in their hands. These are later showered on Ganesha. Sometimes a few families get together in someone's house for the aarti. Each ceremony is rounded off with people tucking in toothsome modaks, in keeping with Ganesha's style. Hindu mythology has a story to tell even about Ganesha's modaks. It is said that Ganesha loved modaks and simply could not stop himself from eating them. In fact he devoured them by the hundreds. Amused by Ganesha's obsession with modaks, once the beautiful moon made fun of the chubby God. Ganesha was so furious with the moon that he cursed him, saying that his beauty would never remain constant. Since that day, way back in time, the moon reveals itself in all its magnificence only once in 28 days. Only a few people observe a fast on this festival as, for the most part, the general feeling is that Ganesha's birthday should be an occasion for pigging out and not for fasting. The few who do keep a fast are allowed to eat various sweets like til ka ladoo (a round sweetmeat made of sesame, flour and sugar), gajak, rewari (sweets made of jaggery and nuts), along with tea and coffee. In Rajasthan, people place a garlanded idol of Ganesha smeared with vermilion, right outside their homes. If front of the image they keep a plate with some vermilion and turmeric powder so each passerby can put a pinch of the sacred powder on his forehead and feel blessed by Ganesha. The festival comes to an end on the day of Anant Chaudas. On this day, the idols of Ganesha are taken from various pandals, doorsteps, localities and puja rooms for a truly royal ride. The streets of Mumbai are packed with multitudes as each locality comes out on the streets with its Ganesha. Amidst shouts of 'Ganpati Bappa Moriya Pudhchya Varshi Lavkarya' (Marathi for - Oh Ganpati My Lord, return soon next year), a sea of humanity carries the idols to the waters of the Arabian Sea. Firecrackers announce the arrival of the procession that halts every now and then for people to get a last glimpse of their favourite God and seek his blessings, for he is the remover of all obstacles. The idols are carried into the holy waters, and face the direction of the local community centers they started their journey from, till their visarjan, or immersion. In other towns and villages, folks carry the idols to the local river or tank for the visarjan ceremony. As dusk takes charge of the skies, people return to their

localities and homes, awaiting Ganesha's return the following year. Artists and sculptors start imagining how they will make an even nicer Ganesha next year. Housewives fret about making better modaks and pedas than Mrs X. The community at large thinks of superior and more elaborate pandals and processions, on there way back home and to work. In this country of almost a billion people, Ganesha plays his part. He generates work, adds meaning to their life and gives them hope.

Ganesh Chaturthi In India Ganesh Chaturthi is a spectacular festival, honoring the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is celebrated all over India, but the maximum grandeur is witnessed at Maharashtra. This festival witnesses various cultural events, which bring the public together and enhance the sense of belongingness and togetherness. The celebration ends with the immersion of the Lord Ganesha's idol into the water. Huge processions of people carry the idol to a river, lake or ocean, accompanied by the chant of Ganapati Bappa Morya. Ganesh Chaturthi is the significant festival of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Celebrations in Maharashtra Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in almost each and every household of Maharashtra, with great faith and belief, for around ten days. The celebrations take place at both individual and community level. Huge pandals are set up and the idol of Ganesha is worshipped by the entire community together, with pomp and show. The celebrations begin with the installation of a Lord Ganesha idol in home, which is worshipped daily by the family members as well as their friends, relatives and even neighbors, who come to have darshan of the Lord. Various cultural events are also organized during these ten days. The celebration ends on the tenth day, when all the people go to the river or sea, to immerse the idol. Celebrations in Karnataka In Karnataka, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with prayers offered to Gauri, the mother of Lord Ganesh. The married women pray to Goddess Gauri, to get blessings ofeir long lasting married life. It is celebrated in different temples of Lord Ganesh, where prayers are offered to the Lord and Gauri. In Karnataka, Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi and is counted amongst the popularly celebrated festivals. Celebrations in Gujarat In Ahmedabad, the capital city of Gujarat, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great pomp and show. Offerings are made to Lord Ganesh at numerous temples. Elaborate arrangements are made for lighting and decoration and Ganeshji is fervently worshipped for about 7-10 days. On the day of the Chaturthi, i.e. the last of the ten days dedicated to God, idols are immersed at river Sabarmati and Kankaria Lake. Firecrackers are let off and huge images of Ganeshji are

carried in grand procession for 'Ganesh Visarjan' (immersion), accompanied by the sound of devotional songs and drums. Celebrations in Rajasthan In Rajasthan, on Ganesh Chaturthi, an image of Ganesh is bathed in red kumkum and a garland of red flowers is put on the idol, placed by many households right outside their entrance. A small thaal, with haldi and kumkum, is also placed at the entrance, so that the visiting people take a pinch of each and put it on their foreheads and throat. Ladoos are usually kept in the house, to be first offered to Ganeshji and then distributed as prasad to the devotees. Ganesh Chaturthi Customs Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi. It is a very famous festival in India and is especially celebrated in a grand manner in Maharashtra. It marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. The festival falls in the month of Bhadrapada, generally between August and September, and lasts for 10 days. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated by following a number of traditional customs and rituals, some of which have been listed in the following lines. Ganesh Chaturthi Customs & Rituals Two to three months before Ganesh Chaturthi, clay models of Lord Ganesha are prepared for sale, by especially skilled artisans. They decorate and depict the Lord in various poses, to match the religious theme. The height of the statues varies from ¾ inch to over 25 feet. A day before the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the house is cleaned and whitewashed, especially the place where the idol is to be placed, in order to attain the sense of purity. Ganesha idols, after being brought, are carried with their faces covered with a saffron cloth. The idol is accompanied by chanting and sound of cymbals. In the evening of the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi, sthapana (installation) of the idol takes place. The idol is installed in the place of worship. All the members of the household gather around the decorated altar and the priests perform a ritual, by which the idol is said to be filled with life. After the installation, traditional puja takes place at the chosen time. The worshipper sips the holy water and performs the pranayama and bows to Ganesha and all the other gods. The process continues with Ganapati Aarti and devotional chanting, sung along with the sound of cymbals, bells and clapping. During the puja, a sweet called “modak” is offered to the god, along with the flowers, completing the ritual of the first day. After the pooja is over, the distribution of sweets, offered to Lord Ganesha, takes places amongst devotees, as prasad. Throughout the ten days of Ganesh Chtaurthi, the idol is worshipped with simple recitations of the devotional songs, offering of flowers and lamps, along with the sweets.

Ganesh Chtaurthi celebration comes to an end on the tenth day. The idol of Ganesha is carried to a water source, in the final procession, accompanied by the chanting 'Ganapati Bappa Morya'. Finally, the idol is immersed in the water. Ganesh Chaturthi Decorations Ganesh Chaturthi is an important festival in the India. It is celebrated with extreme zeal and passion amongst the Hindus in the country. The objective of this festive celebration is to commemorate the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. This celebration was a homely affair before the year 1893 when Lokmanya Tilak made it a community festival to promote the interactions between brahmin and non-brahmin community in Maharashtra. Now, the community celebrations of this festival in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are well known for their exceptional grandeur throughout the country The festive celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi festival goes on for ten days. It starts in the month of Bhaadrapada, on the fourth day of the waxing moon period, this festival according to the Gregorian calendar falls between 20 August and 15 September The final day of the celebration witnesses' extreme enthusiasm. The devotees of Ganesha observe a whole day fast and take out a long procession of the Lord throughout the city. During these ten days, all the devotees gather in the community Pandals for the celebration every day. The Pooja, celebrations and feasts are arranged at the Pandal for the entire ten days. People of various communities share a common platform to celebrate this festival. These Pandals are beautifully decorated and does look no less than a grand film set. The concept of community celebrations has given way to huge grandeur in the celebrations. On this occasion, the community pandals are arranged where the ten days Pooja is carried on. This Pandal is like a temporary abode for the deity. This is also the common place for feasts and celebrations for the devotees. The Pooja is carried on in this Pandal in a very interesting way. Half the Pandal is decorated for the Pooja and half of it is arranged for sitting arrangements, get-togethers, feasting and celebrations of the devotees. The making of Pandals for the Pooja begins day before the actual Pooja starts. The making of Pandal is also a complex and lengthy phenomenon. It is an intricate affair of arranging a beautiful and temporary shelter for ten days celebrations. The entire cost of arrangement of the Pandals is met by community donations. Making of the Pooja Pandals follows pre-decided plans that use bamboo poles, wooden planks and clothes. The use of colorful clothes and fresh flowers for ambiences enhance the beauty of the Pandal. The decorations of the Pandal are done in accordance with space available and the expected gathering. It has now become a fashion to set Pooja Pandals through community contribution in every colony and street especially in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The trend of designer Pandals with complex lightings and intricate patterns are also in extreme demands on this occasion.

Decorated by lights, flowers and several such items, the modern Pandals give a grand look. The Pandals all over the city give a mesmerizing look to the city as well as extreme enthusiasm and grandeur to the festival. Ganesh Chaturthi Recipes Ganesh Chaturthi, the birth anniversary of Lord Ganeshji, is celebrated with great pomp and show in India. It is a popular Hindu festival that is celebrated in a grand manner every year According to the Hindu calendar; the festival comes on the 4th day of Bhadarva Shukla-Paksh and falls around August or September. Though celebrated all over India, Ganesh Chaturthi has its celebrations grandest in Maharashtra. The festival is celebrated for about 7-10 days. On the day of the Chaturthi, i.e. the last day dedicated to the elephant-headed god, shrines are erected, firecrackers let off, and huge images of Ganeshji are carried in grand procession for 'Ganesh Visarjan', accompanied by the sound of devotional songs and drums. India is a land of festival and celebrations and Lord Ganesh is known for his inclination towards sweets. Therefore, a festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha will always be incomplete without special sweet dishes. There are a variety of sweets made on this occasion, with the most popular one being Modak. The worshippers visit Ganesh temples on this day, to perform Puja and offer many other sweets and milk to idols of Lord Ganeshji. The enjoyment of this ten days festivals can be doubled by preparing sweets and delicacies, like Besan Ke Ladoo, Motichoor Ke Ladoo, Kaju Ke Barfi, Puliyodarai,Karanji, Puran Poli Modak, Rawa Ladoo and Moong Dal Ka Halwa. Lets us check out the recipes for these sweet dishes. Besan Ke Ladoo Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival dedicated to the Lord Ganesha, who is well known for his love and inclination towards sweets like modak and besan ke ladoo. Therefore, it is of prime importance to offer the Lord besan ke laddu on this special occasion. No doubt, these ladoos are very tasty and are loved by almost everyone. Kaju Ke Barfi Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is known for his inclination towards sweets. So, how can the celebrations be complete without the inclusion of a few sweets? One of the sweets that are most commonly made around Ganesh Chaturthi is kaju barfi. What are you waiting for? Bring good luck and prosperity into your home, by celebrating the occasion with mouth watering kaju barfi. Karanji Ganesh Chaturthi is a very popular festival, which is celebrated all over India, over a period of ten days. The celebration includes fasting, feasting and distribution Prasad (sweets offered to Lord Ganesha). Karanji is one of the special recipes for Ganesh Chaturthi. It is very easy to

cook and great to eat. Go ahead and enjoy the occasion by preparing delicious Karanji and soaking yourself completely in the festive spirit. Modak Modak is a famous Indian sweet, prepared especially on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. It is known as Lord Ganesha's favorite sweet. Thus, majority of the people consider it a must to make Modak on the very first day of Ganesh Chaturthi. The celebrations are regarded incomplete without Modak, a sweet that is greatly associated to Ganesh Chaturthi. Motichoor Ke Ladoo Motichoor Laddu is thought to be the favorite food of Lord Ganesha. In fact, the sweet also finds a mention in the aarti of lord Ganesha, where a line goes "ladduan ka bhog lage, sant Karen seva". So, when it is occasion of Lord Ganesha's birthday i.e. Ganesh chaturthi, then how one can forget to make the sweetmeat. Puliyodarai Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav is celebrated all across India and is also the biggest festival in Maharashtra. This festival is celebrated with great fervor and joy. People gather together with their family and friends to celebrate the birthday of Lord Ganesha. And as it is a birthday celebration, it cannot go without food. Various special dishes are prepared on this special day and offered to the Lord. One of the most famous recipes prepared on this occasion is Puliyodarai. Puran Poli Ganesh chaturthi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha across India. According to Indian traditions, dishes such as halwa and puri are must to be added in the menu of the birthday celebrations. Same is the case with the birthday of Gods. Ganesh chaturthi celebration witnesses with the preparation of lots of delicious dishes and one of them is Puran Poli. Rawa Ladoo Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that Ganesh Ji is fond of sweet food and thus, His birthday is celebrated with variety of sweets and other dishes. A special sweet dish called Modak and many other sweets, along with milk, is offered to idols of Lord Ganeshji at home and in temples. One famous sweet dish which is usually prepared on Ganesh Chaturthi is Rawa Ladoo. Moong Dal Ka Halwa Lord Ganesh is very fond of food, especially, and this is why a long list of recipes is prepared on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. Traditionally, the devotees during prepare several recipes to offer to Lord Ganesha, on his birthday. Moong Dal Ka Halwa is among these delicacies. This

year, make the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi sweeter, preparing mouth watering Moong Dal Ka Halwa. How To Worship Lord Ganesh-An In-Depth Understanding Of Rituals During Ganesh Chaturthi

Most Hindu rituals begin in a similar manner which involves the five different types of offerings called Pancha Upacharas. They are namely Gandha (Fragrance) in the form of white or red Sandalwood paste, Dhupa (Lighting of Incense Sticks), Deepam (Lighting of Oil Lamps) Naivedyam (Offerings of fruits, sweetmeats etc.) and Pushparchana (Pushpa-Flowers, This denotes that while offering theflowers and flower garlands, the holy names of the Deity is chanted). Among the various seasonal fruits that are offered, the coconut is never forgotten. It represents our head that we humbly submit to the Lord. In temples, when we hand over the coconut to the priest, he smashes it open, and puts it in front of the deity. This symbolically implies that we are breaking our ego and our undesirable qualities and seeking His refuge. (This photograph is taken from Lalbaugh Cha Raja’s website. The Significance: Every form of worship has specific meanings and its representations help us understand the nature of our customs and channelises the mind and body to get closer to the Holy Scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads and ultimately with God. The world or the environment we live in a made up of five elements or Panchabhutas. These are Akasa (Sky), Vaayu (Air), Teja (Fire), Apam (Water) and Prithvi (Earth). During the rituals, the Pancha Upacharas represent the Panchabhutas like flowers represent the sky, the incense sticks denote the air, the oil lamps correspond with the fire, the offerings with the water and the fragrance denotes the earth.

To further understand their significance we need to realise that we all enjoy the use of the five sensory organs known as Jnana Indriyas which consists of eye, ear, nose, tongue and skin. Their functions help us to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Every prayer begins with chanting of the word Om. This creates the sound which represents the sky and the vibrations stimulate our ears and we are able hear. The incense sticks represents the wind and the wind stimulates the sense organ, nose and we are able to smell. The oil lamp or the fire can be seen and felt. The offerings represent the water which in turn signifies the sense of taste. We consume the holy water and savor the fruits and sweetmeats as Prasad after the ritual. Shodashopachara (Sixteen Steps For Worshipping Lord Ganesh): It is stated in the mythology that it is only during Ganesh Chaturthi that Tulasi leaves (Basil) are used for worship. Tulasi was a princess who had made advances towards the Lord and was punished. He turned her into an herb but on His birthday, she is forgiven and allowed to adorn Him with her delicate leaves. The rituals begin with priest performing Pranprathishta (Invoking life into the idol.) The Lord is anointed with Rakta Chandana (Red Sandalwood paste) followed by Shodashopachara (Sixteen ways of paying tribute, worshipping). These include – Aavahanam-The Lord is invited to come and partake in the ceremony and celebrations. Aasanaam-Appropriate and comfortable seating arrangements are made for the Lord. Paadyam-Special foot service is offered whereby, His feet are bathed with fragrant water

sprinkled with rose petals and wiped with delicate towels. Arghyaam-Specially prepared cool, scented water is served to quench His thirst. Aachamaneeyam-This ritual involves sipping water from the palm before commencing

the worship for internal purification by the priest and the people participating in the ceremony.

Snaanaam-The Lord is bathed with water which has been purified with mantras invoking all the sacred rivers of India such as Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kaveri, Narmada etc., Milk, Curd (Yoghurt), Ghee (Clarified Butter), Honey and Sugar. This mixture is known as Panchaamrit (Pancha-Five, Amrit-Ambrosia, Nectar). The Ganga water is not really water – it is the Swaroop (Form) of Goddess Ganga. Hence this representation is equally as pure as the goddess herself – i.e., Nirdosh (Without any flaws). The same goes for waters of the Yamuna, Tapi and the other holy rivers.

Vastram-He is dressed in brightly-colored, soft, silk clothes consisting of a Dhoti and Anga Vastra.

Yagyopaveetam-The Sacred Thread (Janoi) is placed across His shoulder. Gandham-This means fragrance. Perfume (Attar, Ettar) is anointed. Aksataam-Offering of Grains is performed at this stage. Pushpam-Pushpa means flower. Varieties of fresh, assorted flowers and flower garlands

are offered emitting delightful fragrance. The red hibiscus is His favourite flower.

Dhoopam-The incense sticks are lighted which spreads delicate scent, purifying the atmosphere all around.

Deepam-Diyas (Lamps are lit where its wicks are immersed in ghee) are lighted. Naivedyam-Lord Ganesh is offered Sweets and seasonal Fruits. His favourite sweets are

the Modaka and Laddoo. Tamboolam-Paan, a betel leaf is rolled with refreshing mints and betel nut, then dipped

in rose water and sprinkled with dry coconut strands is offered. Dakshanaam-Dakshanam is performed, whereby the priest is gifted a coin in gratitude

for the ceremony performed. Along with the Flowers, twenty-one Durva (Three blade grass, Trefoil) is also offered to Ganesh. The number twenty-one has a symbolic meaning. It represents five Jnana Indriyas (Organs of Perception), the five Karma Indriyas (Organs of Action), the five Pranas (Vital Air), the five Bhutas (Elements) and the Mind.There are many interesting facts relating to why Durva is offered. Lord Ganesh’s name Vrikodara means the one who has fire called Vrika in His stomach. This gives Him a big appetite. The Durva has medicinal properties which controls this heat and creates a cooling effect. The other explanation is since Shiva had severed His head and replaced it with an elephant’s head, there was a lesion / cut. The juice of the Durva is known to heal wounds and so this is offered with great reverence. Vedic hymns from the Rig-Veda, Ganesh Atharvashirsha Upanishad, and strotra from the Narada Purana are sung during the festival. They are accompanied by musical instruments like the Harmonium, Tabla, Tanpura or sometimes only Jhanja (These are small hand held instruments.) After the ceremony/ritual, the Naivedya (Offerings such as fruits, jaggery, coconut and sweetmeats-Bhog) are distributed as Prasad (Santified Food) among the devotees. By placing a betel nut on a mound of rice and with the appropriate mantras, Lord Ganesh can also be invoked. This is done when He is called upon as a part of other ritualistic worship. The rituals in south Konkan (Located in the state of Maharashtra use a coconut instead of the betel nut. Aarti (A ritual) is performed twice a day, in the morning and in the evenings. The Pancha Pradeep is usually used to perform this ceremony. This is a special brass/copper lamp burner which has a handle and six cavities. Five hold the wicks dipped in ghee in a semi-circle and the larger one in the centre holds the camphor. When Aarti is performed we witness the beauty of the Lord in all His glory. Camphor burns itself out without leaving a trace. This represents our Vasanas (Unmanifested desires) This illustrates that when we take refuge in the Lord to obtain knowledge; all other desires get burnt out. The camphor emits a wonderful fragrance which purifies the environment and creates a sense of happiness.

Favorite flowers of LordGanesh

Each deity in Hinduism has its own favorite flowers and leaves and they are used by Hindus during worship and while performing pujas on festivals. All festivals and rituals in Hindu religion begin with Ganesh Pooja. Red colored flowers are the favorite of Lord Ganesha.

Here is a list of flowers and leaves that are offered while praying to Lord Ganesha:

Red Flowers: Any usual red color flower used in Hindu rituals.

Durva Grass is an important offering to Ganesh. Especially in South India, you will find vendors selling garlands of Durva outside Ganesh Temples. It is known as arugam pul in Tamil, Dhub, Durva and Haritali in Hindi (North India). Bermuda or Bahama Grass is the English name.

Another important flower offered is theMilkweed flower. It is known as Arka in Hindi and Eruku or Erukkum Poo in South India. Jilledi is the name used in Eastern India.

Pomegranate leaves and flowers are also offered in many places.

Another important flower and leaf offered is the Sanku Pushpam or Conch flower.

Leaves and flowers of Screw Pine are also offered. It is known as Ketaki or Kedgi in Hindi and Kaita in South India.

There are also other local flowers and leaves that are used like the Naga leaves.

Tulsi leaves and flowers are not generally used in Ganesh Puja. But it is used during Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Puja.

Aarti of Lord Ganesha

Jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh deva

Mata jaki Parvati, pita Mahadeva

Ek dant dayavant, char bhuja dhari Mathe par tilak sohe, muse ki savari

Jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh deva, Mata jaki Parvati, pita Mahadeva...

Pan chadhe, phul chadhe, aur chadhe meva

Ladduan ka bhog lage, sant kare seva Jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh deva,

Mata jaki Parvati, pita Mahadeva...

Andhan ko ankh det, kodhin ko kaya

Banjhan ko putra det, nirdhan ko maya Surya shaam sharan aye, safal kije seva Jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh deva,

Mata jaki Parvati, Pita Mahadeva…

Translation of Aarti

Glory to you, O Lord Ganesha! Born of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, and the great Shiva.

O Lord of compassion, you have a single tusk, four arms, A vermilion mark of on your forehead, and ride on a mouse.

People offer you betel leaves, blossoms, fruits And sweets, while saints and seers worship you.

Glory to you, O Lord Ganesha! Born of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, and the great Shiva. You bestow vision on the blind, chastened body on the leprous,

Children on the sterile and wealth on the destitute. We pray to thee day and night, please bestow success upon us.

Glory to you, O Lord Ganesha! Born of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, and the great Shiva.

108 Names of Lord Ganesh Name Meaning 1. Akhurath One who has Mouse as His Charioteer 2. Alampata Ever Eternal Lord 3. Amit Incomparable Lord 4. Anantachidrupamayam Infinite and Consciousness Personified 5. Avaneesh Lord of the whole World 6. Avighna Remover of Obstacles 7. Balaganapati Beloved and Lovable Child 8. Bhalchandra Moon-Crested Lord

9. Bheema Huge and Gigantic 10. Bhupati Lord of the Gods 11. Bhuvanpati God of the Gods 12. Buddhinath God of Wisdom 13. Buddhipriya Knowledge Bestower 14. Buddhividhata God of Knowledge 15. Chaturbhuj One who has Four Arms 16. Devadeva Lord of All Lords 17. Devantakanashakarin Destroyer of Evils and Asuras 18. Devavrata One who accepts all Penances 19. Devendrashika Protector of All Gods 20. Dharmik One who gives Charity 21. Dhoomravarna Smoke-Hued Lord 22. Durja Invincible Lord 23. Dvaimatura One who has two Mothers 24. Ekaakshara He of the Single Syllable 25. Ekadanta Single-Tusked Lord 26. Ekadrishta Single-Tusked Lord 27. Eshanputra Lord Shiva's Son 28. Gadadhara One who has The Mace as His Weapon 29. Gajakarna One who has Eyes like an Elephant 30. Gajanana Elephant-Faced Lord

31. Gajananeti Elephant-Faced Lord 32. Gajavakra Trunk of The Elephant 33. Gajavaktra One who has Mouth like an Elephant 34. Ganadhakshya Lord of All Ganas 35. Ganadhyakshina Leader of All The Celestial Bodies 36. Ganapati Lord of All Ganas 37. Gaurisuta The Son of Gauri (Parvati) 38. Gunina One who is The Master of All Virtues 39. Haridra One who is Golden Colored 40. Heramba Mother's Beloved Son 41. Kapila Yellowish-Brown Colored 42. Kaveesha Master of Poets 43. Kriti Lord of Music 44. Kripalu Merciful Lord 45. Krishapingaksha Yellowish-Brown Eyed 46. Kshamakaram Place of Forgiveness 47. Kshipra One who is easy to Appease 48. Lambakarna Large-Eared Lord 49. Lambodara The Huge Bellied Lord 50. Mahabala Enormously Strong Lord 51. Mahaganapati Omnipotent and Supreme Lord

52. Maheshwaram Lord of The Universe 53. Mangalamurti All Auspicious Lord 54. Manomay Winner of Hearts 55. Mrityuanjaya Conqueror of Death 56. Mundakarama Abode of Happiness 57. Muktidaya Bestower of Eternal Bliss 58. Musikvahana One who has Mouse as Charioteer 59. Nadapratithishta One who Appreciates and Loves Music 60. Namasthetu Vanquisher of All Evils and Vices and Sins 61. Nandana Lord Shiva's Son 62. Nideeshwaram Giver of Wealth and Treasures 63. Omkara One who has the Form of OM 64. Pitambara One who has Yellow-Colored Body 65. Pramoda Lord of All Abodes 66. Prathameshwara First Among All 67. Purush The Omnipotent Personality 68. Rakta One who has Red-Colored Body 69. Rudrapriya Beloved of Lord Shiva 70. Sarvadevatman Acceptor of All Celestial offerings 71. Sarvasiddhanta Bestower of Skills and Wisdom 72. Sarvatman Protector of The Universe 73. Hambhavi The Son of Parvati

74. Shashivarnam One who has a Moon like Complexion 75. Shoorpakarna Large-Eared Lord 76. Shuban All Auspicious Lord 77. Shubhagunakanan One who is The Master of All Virtues 78. Shweta One who is as Pure as the White Color 79. Siddhidhata Bestower of Success and Accomplishments 80. Siddhipriya Bestower of Wishes and Boons 81. Siddhivinayaka Bestower of Success 82. Skandapurvaja Elder Brother of Skanda (Lord Kartikeya) 83. Sumukha Auspicious Face 84. Sureshwaram Lord of All Lords 85. Swaroop Lover of Beauty 86. Tarun Ageless 87. Uddanda Nemesis of Evils and Vices 88. Umaputra The Son of Goddess Uma (Parvati) 89. Vakratunda Curved Trunk Lord 90. Varaganapati Bestower of Boons 91. Varaprada Granter of Wishes and Boons 92. Varadavinayaka Bestower of Success 93. Veeraganapati Heroic Lord 94. Vidyavaridhi God of Wisdom

95. Vighnahara Remover of Obstacles 96. Vignaharta Demolisher of Obstacles 97. Vighnaraja Lord of All Hindrances 98. Vighnarajendra Lord of All Obstacles 99. Vighnavinashanaya Destroyer of All Obstacles and Impediments 100. Vigneshwara Lord of All Obstacles 101. Vikat Huge and Gigantic 102. Vinayaka Lord of All 103. Vishwamukha Master of The Universe 104. Vishwaraja King of the World 105. Yagnakaya Acceptor of All Sacred and Sacrificial Offerings 106. Yashaskaram Bestower of Fame and Fortune 107. Yashvasin Beloved and Ever Popular Lord 108. Yogadhipa The Lord of Meditation