Special offerings, particularly laddu and modak, are presented to Lord Ganesha.
Vinayak Chaturthi will be celebrated on February 13 this year.
Ganesh Jayanti, also known as Magh Shukla Chaturthi, marks the auspicious occasion of the birthday of Lord Ganesha, highly revered by Hindus. This year, the month of Magh began on January 21 and will end on February 19. In the Shukla Paksha month of Magh, Vinayak Chaturthi is celebrated, which means a time of great importance for the devotees. Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma, an esteemed astrologer and Vastu consultant from Bhopal, states that the Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha began at 5:44 pm on February 12 and will end on February 13 at 2:41 pm. Accordingly, the revered festival of Vinayak Chaturthi will be celebrated on February 13 of the month of Magh.
Devotees follow a prescribed method for Vinayak Chaturthi Puja in honor of Lord Ganesha. They wake up during Brahma Muhurta, the auspicious time before dawn, cleanse themselves with a bath and dress in clean clothes. Later, they spread a cloth to place the idol of Bappa, Lord Ganesha. A lamp is lit and flowers, garlands and durva grass are offered to the deity. The recitation of Ganesh Chalisa and mantras, accompanied by the performance of Aarti, demonstrates even more reverence.
Additionally, special offerings are presented to Lord Ganesha, particularly laddu and modak, his favorite sweets according to the scriptures. The Prasad, sanctified food offered to the deity, is then distributed among the devotees, signifying prosperity and communal blessings.
Vinayak Chaturthi has a deep meaning in Hindu culture. While it is celebrated as Ganesh Jayanti in Maharashtra, North India commemorates it during the month of Bhadrapada. The day has prominence as devotees believe that fasting and meticulously performing rituals during Vinayak Chaturthi grants happiness, prosperity and wisdom to homes. Diligent worship on this auspicious day is believed to ensure the blessings of Lord Ganesha, facilitating the fulfillment of desires and successful endeavours.
Vinayak Chaturthi embodies a time of devotion and reverence towards Lord Ganesha, encouraging spiritual growth and communal harmony among devotees as they seek blessings and guidance from the revered deity.
