Ganpati Bappa Morya! It's a joyful occasion to welcome Lord Ganesha into our homes and celebrate the 10-day festival known as Ganeshotsav. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi begins on September 7 and will be observed until September 17. Many believe that during this time, Lord Ganesha blesses his devotees with happiness and prosperity. Although the festival is celebrated with devotion across the globe, it holds a special significance in Maharashtra, where the vibrant spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi is truly felt. During Ganeshotsav, devotees warmly welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes, offering prayers and performing traditional rituals. After several days of celebration, they bid him farewell during the Visarjan ceremony. Here's a simple guide to performing Ganesh Chaturthi puja at home.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Preparation: Sit calmly with folded hands, prepared to invite Lord Ganesha’s blessings through traditional rituals. Welcoming the Ganpati Idol: Start by bringing the Ganpati idol into your home, preferably on this sacred day. Make sure to have these items ready: incense sticks (agarbatti), dhoop, an aarti plate with lamps, areca nuts (supari), a paan leaf, and a cloth to drape over the idol.
Beginning the Puja: Start by lighting incense sticks (agarbatti) and dhoop on the aarti plate. Place a paan leaf with a supari (areca nut) in front of Lord Ganesha’s idol and chant the mantra, "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah." Gifts for Priests and Idol Makers: If a priest is conducting the puja, offer dakshina (gifts or money) to him and the artisans who created the idol. If the idol was brought home before Chaturthi, keep it covered and only unveil it during the Murti Sthapana (idol installation) on Ganesh Chaturthi. Welcoming the Idol: As the idol enters the house, have a family member sprinkle raw rice on it. Before placing the idol on its platform, place raw rice, supari, turmeric (haldi), kumkum, and dakshina on the pedestal as part of the ritual.
Essential Items for Ganesh Puja: Once the idol is set up, gather these items: red flowers, blades of durva grass, modaks (sweet dumplings), a coconut, red sandalwood paste, and incense sticks. Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Puja Steps: Clean the House: Before bringing the Ganpati idol home, make sure the entire house is clean. Family members should bathe early and prepare for the puja. Welcoming Ganesha (Pran-Pratishtha): Place the idol on a clean, elevated platform. If you can, invite a priest to perform the Pran-Pratishtha ritual, which brings the spirit of Ganesha into the idol.
Performing Aarti: Once Pran-Pratishtha is done, light the lamps and incense sticks. Offer 21 blades of durva grass, 21 modaks, and red flowers to Lord Ganesha. Breaking the Coconut: Apply a mark of red sandalwood paste (tilak) on Ganesha's forehead. Break a coconut in front of the idol to drive away any negativity. Offering to Ganesha’s Mouse: Put some fried grains in honor of Ganesha’s mouse, which is his vehicle. You can also recite 108 prayers or read the Ganesh Upanishad for extra blessings. Final Prayers: Perform the rituals with a heartfelt devotion and sincerity. Remember, Lord Ganesha appreciates your genuine love and open heart. Fold your hands, close your eyes, and offer your prayers—Ganpati Bappa will listen and bless you with wisdom, health, and prosperity.