This year, the 10-day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi will begin on September 7 and will end on September 17. Those who are planning to bring Lord Bappa home, here are certain rules you should remember.
Ganesh Chaturthi, a major festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha is just around the corner. Celebrating the birth of the elephant-headed deity, Ganesh Utsav lasts for 10 days and is observed with great enthusiasm by devotees across India. The festival is particularly grand in Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and the cities of Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad. During Ganesh Utsav, Lord Ganesha is worshipped for the entire 10 days. People also bring the idols of Lord Ganesha at home and at the end of festival, immerse the idol in a water body with much fanfare and love. Lord Ganesha is also know as ‘Vighnaharta’ and is known to remove all the obstacles and bring prosperity.
This year, the 10-day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi will begin on September 7, and Ganesh Visarjan will be observed on Tuesday, September 17. Those who are planning to bring Lord Bappa home, here are certain rules you should remember:
Essential Rules to Follow While Welcoming Ganpati Bappa Home:
- Many devotees of Lord Ganesha take great care in crafting their own idols with love and devotion. While making or purchasing a Ganesha idol, it’s important to keep a few points in mind to ensure its completeness and auspiciousness:
- Ensure that the Ganesha’s idol has a majestic ‘mukut’ or crown, as it symbolizes prosperity and good fortune.
- Whether the idol is bought or handmade, it should be in a sitting position. Also, the idol should include Ganesha’s companion, the mouse, and some ‘modaks’ (sweet treats), as these elements bring positive energy and to the the home.
- When bring Lord Ganesha home, cover the idol with a red Chunari or cloth to honour the deity.
- During the sthapana of the Ganesha idol, the most auspicious directions are east, west or north-west.
- Greet Ganpati Bappa with the sounds of shankh, bells, and a festive atmosphere.
- The idol should be worshippd for a period of 1.5, 3, 5, 7, 10 or 11 days before performing the visarjan.
- The Ganesha idol should not be left unattended. It is important that someone is always present to accompany and revere the deity.
- Never immerse the Lord Ganesha idol in water without performing the aarti and puja first. This is essential for maintaining the sanity of the ritual.