Source: www.thehindu.com
[HPI note: Hindus around the world are celebrating Ganesha Chaturthi today and tomorrow. You can see a slideshow here ]
BENGALURU, INDIA, September 10, 2010: Vinayaka Chaturthi is when everyone’s beloved Ganesha is worshipped with much fanfare.
D.S. Nanjundaiah, a resident of Devanahalli, is among the Hindus for whom Vinayaka Chaturthi is a time when the Elephant Deity, known as the remover of all obstacles, is worshipped and propitiated. His family is among the many that observe the Chaturthi Vrata. “Observing the vrata is a way of pleasing the Lord and seeking his intervention at every obstacle I may face in life,” he says.
Almost all Hindus worship Ganesha on the occasion of Chaturthi, and some families observe the Chaturthi Vrata. Those observing the Vrata start the day by installing the Ganesha murti made of clay at home in the morning. The whole day will be dedicated to Him. They then invoke life (“prana pratishthapane”) into the Deity by reciting mantras, perform a puja, offer various delicacies and immerse the murti in the evening or any future day after performing the “Visarjanam” ritual.
Mr. Nanjundaiah and his family prepared by cleaning the house and decorating it with banana stems, mango leaves and flowers, particularly the red ones that are believed to be dear to Ganesha. Mr. Nanjundaiah’s wife, Latha, prepares the Elephant God’s favourite delicacies — “chakkuli”, “modaka” and “karigadubu”.
Early on the Chaturthi morning, they install the clay Ganesha on a raised platform. Mr. Nanjundaiah invites a priest to perform the vrata puja. After the puja, Mr. Nanjundaiah distributes the prasadato all those present. By this time, his wife would have prepared a sumptuous festival feast for family and friends.
While different families choose different days to immerse Lord Ganesha, Mr. Nanjundaiah immerses the Ganesha the same evening at the village tank. The Lord comes and stays with us during the Chaturthi and the immersion symbolises his return from earth after removing all obstacles, he said.
Known as “Vighna Nivaraka” (eliminator of hurdles), Ganesha is worshipped across the world, particularly in South India. Vinayaka Chaturthi, the birthday of Lord Ganesha, falls on the fourth day of “Shukla Paksha” (bright half) of the month of “Bhadrapada” of the Hindu Lunar Calendar.