Today (06/09/2024) marks the beginning of Ganesh Chaturthi.
This ten-day Hindu festival celebrates the deity Ganesha, the god of prosperity and wisdom. Celebrations begin on the fourth day of Bhadrapada, the sixth month of the Hindu calendar. The festival ends on the fourteenth day of the same month. Hindus celebrate in order to receive Ganesha’s blessings.
Ganesh Chaturthi typically begins with Ganesh Chaturthi Puja, where Hindus place idols of Ganesha on raised platforms in their houses and temples. Worshippers may also clean and decorate so as to welcome Ganesha into their homes. There is an ideal time to complete these practices, known as Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat. Performing Ganesh Chaturthi Puja within this period is believed to reap the greatest blessings. Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat varies across the world. In London, for example, it falls on 6 September, from 11:39am to 02:17pm. In New Delhi, it falls on 7 September, from 11:03am to 01:34pm. Ten days later, during the culmination of festivities, the idols are immersed in water, often in local rivers or lakes. This symbolises Ganesha’s journey back to his celestial home.
British Online Archives would like to wish all those celebrating a very happy Ganesh Chaturthi.