Ganesh Chaturthi is an immensely popular Hindu festival celebrated in various regions, notably Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad, with tremendous enthusiasm. It commemorates the arrival of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, to bless people. This year it will be celebrated from September 19 to September 28.
During this festival, many households welcome idols of Lord Ganesha in various sizes into their homes. These clay idols become objects of daily devotion, receiving offerings of prasad and the melodious chanting of Bhajans. The grand culmination of the festival occurs on the tenth day, marked by spirited drum beats, singing, and dancing, as the idol bids farewell and is immersed in nearby rivers during Visarjan.
WATCH: 10 Dos, Don’ts for Welcoming Lord Ganesha
This poignant act symbolizes Lord Ganesha’s return to his heavenly abode at Mount Kailash, where he is believed to reside with his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. If you plan to welcome Ganpati Bappa into your home, here are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
Dos
1. Before bringing Lord Ganesha home, make sure to clean your house thoroughly and take a bath. Also, make sure to offer everything including food, water, or prasad to Lord Ganesha first and then to others.
2. When welcoming Ganesha home, cover the idol with a red cloth or ‘chunari.’ Also, place a sacred thread called Janve on the left shoulder of the idol.
3. For good luck, place Lord Ganesha’s idol facing east, west, or northeast during the ‘sthapana’ ceremony.
4. Decorate Lord Ganesha with garlands of flowers, durva grass, and red blossoms. Apply a tilak made from sandalwood paste.
5. According to tradition, worshippers can bring a Ganesha idol home for 1, 3, 7, or 10 days and place it on a clean and decorated platform.
6. Don’t forget to add a majestic crown or ‘mukut’ to your Ganesha idol for good luck and fortune.
Don’ts
1. It’s recommended for devotees and their family members to avoid using garlic and onions, whether it is for prasad or household consumption.
2. It is important for the family members not to leave the house empty. Ensure that at least one family member is present with the idol at all times.
3. While installing the idol or during the immersion process, do not close the main door of the house.
4. These 10 days, it’s advisable to steer clear of quarrels or conflicts at home and maintain a positive environment.
5. For a successful visarjan (immersion) of the Ganesha idol, be sure to follow the auspicious time and immerse the idol only after offering prayers and prasad to Lord Ganesha.
6. During the festival, avoid consuming meat and alcohol as a mark of devotion and respect for Lord Ganesha.
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