In Hindu mythology lord Ganesh is one of the popular gods. The elephant god is symbol of wisdom and prosperity. The god with long nose, shrewed eyes, and a pot belly epitomizes wisdom and good luck. Lord Ganesh is revered all across India as a master of clearing obstruction from life. In India particular people worship Ganesh before opening a new enterprise. Ganesh is also a patron god of traveling. In the month waxing moon period that comes between 20th August and 15th of September the birth celebration of Ganesh celebrates all over India with much pomp and glory. Though it is much elaborate in Maharashtra and one shouldn’t miss the joy during this festival in the city.
Ganesh Chaturthi is the birth celebration of Lord Ganesh and is celebrated by Hindus all over the world and especially in India its a huge event. In Maharashtra the ten day event has been celebrated in an absolute joyous way, on the festival day, the deity of lord Ganesh is placed on a platforms in homes and offices and people pay their homage. There is long ritual happens where priest clad in red silk dhoti believed to instill life in deity by chanting encoded mantras. There are 16 ways to pay tribute to lord Ganesh after that he has been served with various food. Through out the ritual a hymns from the Rig Veda and Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishads are chanted.
The main attraction of Ganesh Chaturthi is the immersion of Deity on the 1th day. In Maharashtra its a huge event, the large procession is taken through the street with much fanfare. People seems crazy about the event, young lads are dancing, singing while carrying the idol on their head or sometimes in a chariot. The procession is believed a ritualistic see off Ganesh to the celestial journey to his abode Kailash mountains also carrying away all the misfortunes of people with him. The famous yelling of ‘ Ganapati Maurya’ is thudding in the atmosphere. After a final offerings, people carry him to river or sea and immerse him.
Invaluable Suggestions
Be careful while traveling with the procession of Ganesh. It is revoltingly crowded so take care of your bag baggages.
Avoid to ride any vehicle while moving through the crowd. Its better to walk with the crowd.
Avoid taking children with you in the procession.
Do not forget to taste the delicious cuisines during the Ganesh Chaturthi.
There are some places where beautiful done tents are there for worship of lord Ganesh. These venues also serve for free medical check ups, charity for the poor, films , dramatic performance and other activities during the festive days.
When To Go: This festival is celebrated in the month of avani on chaturthi (4th) day which comes after the new moon. That comes between 20th August and 15th of September.
Where To go : Although Ganesh Chaturthi is famous in all over India but it is huge occasion in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Festival is celebrated all over the states with much fanfare. The ten days festival is absolutely delight.
How To Go : Capital of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is well connected by airways and railways by all major cities. All the major airline swill take you to Hyderabad. Maharashtra is also well connected with all major cities specially places like
Mumbai ,
Nasik, Nagpur and
Pune is very accessible to other parts of India
