Ganesha Chaturthi, also known as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' or 'Vinayaka Chavithi' is a great Ganesha festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world.This day marks the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is observed during the Hindu month of Bhadra (mid August - mid September).
Begins: Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi
Ends: Anant Chaturdashi
It lasts for 10 days.
Ganesha cursed Chandra, the Moon God
Why you should not see moon on Ganesha Chaturthi?
It is said that whosoever sees the moon on this day would face false allegations (problems) in the coming year.
Long ago Brahma and Shiva were sitting together and a man named Narmada came along.He offered Shiva a beautiful fruit. It was such a wonderful fruit and Narmada had chosen it especially for Shiva.
But Ganesha, Shiva's son loved fruits.He wanted the fruit and offcourse Ganesha's brother Kartikeya wanted it too.Shiva asked Brahma to decide who should have the fruit. He said Kartikeya as he was younger.Ganesha became extremely angry at this and tried to frighten Brahma. But then Chandra, the Moon God laughed at Ganesha for being so silly and greedy that he cannot sacrifice fruit for his brother or father. Now Ganesha turned his anger at Chandra and said, "I'll curse you Brahma, anyone who looks at you will be cursed and something wrong will happen with them, and so they will stop looking at you ever again!!! But this was very sad, imagine no one looking at the beautiful moon. So other Gods Agni and Indra asked him to change his mind and forgive Chandra for laughing at him.Ganesha, being soft-heartened did forgive him and now people can look at the moon except for one night a year.
Immersion of Ganesha idols
Environmental Impact
Idols of Ganesha made out of plaster of paris when immersed in lakes, rivers or sea cause a serious impact on the environment. Thousands of such idols are immersed into water which increases the acidity levels and content of heavy metals. Traditionally, the idol was made out of mud which easily decomposed. However, as the commercial sale of idols increased, plaster of paris came into use as it was easy to mould and use.But it's non-biodegradable nature exploits the environment.
Begins: Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi
Ends: Anant Chaturdashi
It lasts for 10 days.
Happy Ganesha Chaturthi
A clay model of Lord Ganesha is made 2-3 months prior to the festival. On the day of festival the clay model is placed on raised platforms in homes or decorated temples for people to view and pay homage.The priests clad themselves in red silk dhoti and chant mantras and perform rituals which invokes life into the Ganesha model.
This festival is celebrated with theater performances, cultural activities and community activities or free medical checkups, donating money to the poor. Slogans of Ganpatti Bappa Morya are enchanted while Lord Ganesha idol is being taken for immersion.
Modak
- It is believed that Lord Ganesha himself descends on Earth on this day to bless his devotees.
- The biggest Ganesha idol is kept in Vishakhapatnam and measures up to 70 feet tall.
- Modak (sweet dish) is believed to be favourite of Lord Ganesha and hence is prepared during the festival.It refers to somehing that brings joy.
- Lord Ganesha is referred to as "Vigana Harta" (remover of obstacles) and "Buddhi Pradaayaka" (giver of wisdom and intellect).There are around 108 names of Lord Ganesha, among which Ganesha and Ganpati are more common.
Ganesha cursed Chandra, the Moon God
Why you should not see moon on Ganesha Chaturthi?
It is said that whosoever sees the moon on this day would face false allegations (problems) in the coming year.
Long ago Brahma and Shiva were sitting together and a man named Narmada came along.He offered Shiva a beautiful fruit. It was such a wonderful fruit and Narmada had chosen it especially for Shiva.
But Ganesha, Shiva's son loved fruits.He wanted the fruit and offcourse Ganesha's brother Kartikeya wanted it too.Shiva asked Brahma to decide who should have the fruit. He said Kartikeya as he was younger.Ganesha became extremely angry at this and tried to frighten Brahma. But then Chandra, the Moon God laughed at Ganesha for being so silly and greedy that he cannot sacrifice fruit for his brother or father. Now Ganesha turned his anger at Chandra and said, "I'll curse you Brahma, anyone who looks at you will be cursed and something wrong will happen with them, and so they will stop looking at you ever again!!! But this was very sad, imagine no one looking at the beautiful moon. So other Gods Agni and Indra asked him to change his mind and forgive Chandra for laughing at him.Ganesha, being soft-heartened did forgive him and now people can look at the moon except for one night a year.
Immersion of Ganesha idols
Idols of Ganesha made out of plaster of paris when immersed in lakes, rivers or sea cause a serious impact on the environment. Thousands of such idols are immersed into water which increases the acidity levels and content of heavy metals. Traditionally, the idol was made out of mud which easily decomposed. However, as the commercial sale of idols increased, plaster of paris came into use as it was easy to mould and use.But it's non-biodegradable nature exploits the environment.
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