Ganesh Chaturthi: What did you not know?

Ganesh Chaturthi: What did you not know?

The Bal Gangadhar Tilak connection

Ganesh Chaturthi is linked with showy pandals and gorgeous idols that are constructed every year in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai. However, prior to the twentieth century, Ganesh Chaturthi was a celebration that was only observed within the limits of one’s own home.

The celebration was finally made public via the efforts of Indian nationalist and liberation warrior Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Shivaji’s patron god

Ganesh Chaturthi has been celebrated since the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. Lord Ganesh was the patron or family deity of the warrior king’s family.

The Mahabharata and Lord Ganesha

Many people believe that Lord Ganesh is unrelated to the Mahabharata because he is not mentioned in the epic. They are mistaken. The scholar Vyasa thought the elephant-headed god was capable of comprehending the Mahabharata and ordered him to record it without interruptions. When his quill went dry, Lord Ganesha is said to have broken a tusk to continue writing.

Not only modaks

While Lord Ganesha like modaks, the round and sweet delicacy, he also enjoys Puran Poli, a traditional Marathi sweet, and karanji, another sweet delicacy.

Honorific 16-step

Shhodashopachara is one of the festival’s four primary ceremonies. It contains the 16 ways in which worshippers must honour the god of all beginnings. Aavaahana, Pratishthapan, Aasana Samarpana, Arghya Samarpan, Achamana, Madhuparka, Snaana, Vastra Samarpana, Yagyopavit, Gandha, Pushpa, Dhoop, Deepa, Naivedya, and Taamblooa are among these steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is special in Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ans: The festival is marked with the installation of Ganesha’s clay murtis (idols) privately in homes and publicly on elaborate pandals (temporary stages). Observances include chanting of Vedic hymns and Hindu texts, such as prayers and vrata (fasting).

Q. Who started Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ans: Ganesh Chaturthi 2022: How Bal Gangadhar Tilak laid the foundation of Ganeshotsav. It is said that it was during India’s freedom struggle that Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak laid the foundation of large-scale Ganeshotsav. During the freedom struggle in the 1890s, Tilak often wondered how to unite the common people.

Q. What happens in 10 days of Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ans: It is said that every year Lord Ganesha visits Earth to bless his devotees during the 10-day Ganeshotsav celebrations and on the last day, which is also known as Ganesh Visarjan or Anant Chaturdashi, returns to Mount Kailash to his parents Lord Shiva and Paravati.