Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular Hindu festivals and is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm across the country. Just like Onam is famous amongst Malayalees, Pongal amongst Tamils, Baisakhi amongst Punjabis, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with incredible fanfare across Maharashtra.
Lord Ganesha is worshipped foremost amongst all gods and is regarded as the god of wisdom, peace, and knowledge. On the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees place an idol of Lord Ganesha in homes or in elaborately decorated outdoor tents for people to view and pay their homage.
The preparations for the festival start months in advance. The sculptors start modeling the statues of the deity two-three months prior to the festival. The size of this idol may vary from 3/4th of an inch to over 25 feet.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is mostly celebrated in the month of Bhadra, i.e., mid-August or mid-September. For ten days, from Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to Ananta Chaturdashi, Ganesha is worshiped. On the 11th day, the idol is immersed in a river or sea in a massive procession, along with dancing and singing. This ritual symbolizes bidding goodbye to the Lord in his journey towards his abode in Kailash while taking away with him the misfortunes of all his worshippers.
Interestingly, it is believed that Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, was first celebrated by the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, and the tradition has been continued since then.
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Why do we praise it?
The celebration praises the introduction of Lord Ganesha. As per folklore, Goddess Parvati made Lord Ganesha utilizing sandalwood glue, and further, and she revived this statue. She educated him to not give anybody a chance to enter the premises while she went for a bath.
In the meantime, Lord Shiva came back from contemplation and was on approach to meet his better half, Parvati. Ganesha, unconscious that he is his dad, prevented him from entering the place. Maddened, Lord Shiva had a battle with Ganesha, which finished with Ganesha’s take being hacked off.
Parvati got infuriated when she became acquainted with about the battle, and she likewise notified Shiva that Ganesha was their child. Hence, Shiva guaranteed her that he would breathe life into their child back, and educated every one of the divine beings to search for a leader of a dead individual. He additionally educated that the leader of the dead individual ought to confront the north bearing.
The divine beings could just discover the leader of an elephant. Shiva supplanted the leader of his expired child with that of an elephant and gave him the name Ganesha which implies Lord of Ganas-the principal of God of Hindus. From that point forward, Ganesha is adored before all Gods, as an indication of a fresh start and flourish.
Fasting on Ganesh Chaturthi :
The aficionados, who mean to quick on the celebration, rise early morning and take bathe. Subsequent to wearing crisp garments, they make a beeline for the closest sanctuary or offer petitions to the Lord at home. The petitions incorporate singing aarti and droning mantras, including “Mam Sarvakarmsiddhaye Siddhivinayak Pujanmaham Karishye.” The aficionados offer prasad to the god and look for his gifts.
The adherents can either settle on nirjal vrat (waterless quick) or phalahar vrat (an eating routine). Aside from natural products, sabudana khichdi and curd rice, the aficionados can eat desserts including til ka ladoo (sesame sweetmeat), gajak and rewari (desserts made of sesame and jaggery), alongside tea and espresso. Individuals entirely limit from non-vegan sustenance and liquor. It is trusted the individuals who quick on this favorable event are honored with wellbeing, riches and success.
A couple of formulas…
Sabudana Khichdi
Begin with drenching sabudana overnight. Deplete them the next morning and keep them. In the interim, bubble potatoes and when warm, peel and slash them into little pieces.
Take a dish and dry meal peanuts till they turn dark-colored. At that point, pound them to make a coarse powder, and blend them with salt and sugar according to your taste. Presently, warm oil in a container and sear cumin seeds till they begin to crackle. Include curry leaves, ground ginger, and green chilies and pan-fry them for a moment. Include potatoes, peanuts, salt, and sugar, and saute for one more moment.
Next, include sabudana and continue mixing it till the time its shading turns translucent. Enhancement it with ground coconut and the dish is prepared.
Curd Rice
Begin blending cooked rice with curd. Presently, warm oil in a dish and include cumin and mustard seeds. When they begin to splutter, add urad and chana dal. Panfry them until the point when they turn brilliant dark colored. Include curry leaves and saute them until fresh.
Then, include coriander leaves, carrots, and cucumber in the curd rice blend. Pour the flavoring on it and blend well. South Indian style curd rice is prepared.
