Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the popular festivals which is celebrated in India. From the concept of divine power and authority, this colourful and cheerful festival is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God known for removing obstacles and the deity of happy beginnings. Ganesh Chaturthi is the feast of devotion where people pour their hearts out and engage in the performance of rituals and prayer, giving gifts to one another.
So, today we will take a look at when Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated, its importance, and how people of our country celebrate this day. We will also check out a few ideas about giving gifts which makes our celebration more special and enhances the festive spirit.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great pompousness and grandeur. This festival falls on the fourth day of the Hindu month Bhadrapada, which falls either in August or September. This is an auspicious day on which the devotees celebrate the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the God who blesses people, with power, wealth, and good fortune.
As per the Hindu legend Ganesha was born to Goddess Parvati as she sculpted him with the dirt and oil on her body and he got the head of an elephant by Lord Shiva.
Waving Goodbye to Lord Ganesha
This festival is of great cultural and religious importance in regions such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Goa. It is believed that worshipping Lord Ganesha during this period brings happiness, removes obstacles, and ensures success in new ventures.
Read More: Life at GIVA (Ganesh Chaturthi Special)
Celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi
It is a popular festival for which people show a lot of devotion, decorate their houses, decorate the temples, and even mark the celebrations on roads. The festival normally lasts for ten days but the statues of Ganesha are submerged on the tenth day which is known as Anant Chaturdashi. Here’s how the festival is celebrated:
1. Installation of Ganesha Idols
People start the festival with the setting up of well-made Ganesha statues in houses, and temples, and forming public marquees called pandals. These are actual statue-like figures often sculpted out of clay or from some other organic and environmentally friendly material that people decorate with flowers, garlands, jewellery pieces, and food items. The idol installation is followed by the recitation of mantras and the lighting of lamps to invoke the blessings of the Lord Ganesha.
Read More: Experiment With Jewellery During Festivals
2. Daily Prayers and Offerings
People perform the rituals for ten days during which prayers are conducted, devotional songs are sung and aarti, a form of worship by light, is performed. There are various types of dishes prepared and these are offered to Ganesha and called prasad. The specialties are Modak, Laddoo, and Karanji which are the favourite sweets of Ganesha. All this prasad is then shared with family, friends, and other members of the community.
3. Culture Programs & Community Events
During these 10 days, people perform cultural events and participate in community events where they dance, sing, and celebrate to the fullest. These gatherings are important because they promote unity in the community and let the younger generation understand the importance of culture, traditions, and togetherness.
4. Visarjan (Immersion of Idols)
Finally, after 10 days the Visarjan is done by taking the Lord Ganesha’s idol to nearby rivers, lakes, or seas. All the public and devotees chant such slogans as ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya’ meaning, ‘Hail Lord Ganesha, return soon next year.’ The bathing symbolises several aspects of Indian philosophies like Rebirth and the fact that after taking the misfortune along with the people, Ganesha leaves the world going back to his own divine world.
Ganesh Chaturthi Gift List
Along with this, people perform the ritual of exchanging gifts during Ganesh Chaturthi to make the celebrations more colourful and delightful. There is no doubt that regardless of whether you are visiting family, friends or business associates a thoughtful gift can add much to the festivities and convey your good wishes. Below are some meaningful gift ideas for Ganesh Chaturthi:
1. Ganesha Idols and Figures
A sculpted Ganesha idol is the best thing to display during the festival and give to your loved ones too. It is very diverse in materials such as clay, brass, silver, or wood and one can decide to use environment-friendly ones which can be immersed at home. They are like everyday objects of worship or sculptures which can be placed everywhere to bless the living space.
2. Gold & Silver Jewellery
You can buy beautiful gold and silver jewellery pieces to gift your loved ones. You can also buy jewellery for lord Ganesh’s idol after you bring him home and start the celebrations. Amazing designs and trends are going on these days and you can choose your favourite ones from stores like GIVA. We have the most exquisite gold and silver jewellery collection that matches perfectly with what you desire.
Read More: 5 Pendants to Rock at Your Next Music Festival
3. Silver and Gold Coins
999 Silver Coin
Products such as gold or silver coins having the image of Lord Ganesha marked on them are another conventional and favourable gift type. These coins are regarded as talismans of wealth and can be collected as tokens of love or symbol of good luck in ceremonies.
Read More: Silver Coins: A Timeless Tradition in Indian Festivals
4. Home Decor Items
Home décor items such as pictures containing their favourite God Ganesha, photo frames lamps, and paintings containing Ganesha also give a festive look. Such gifts are not only luxurious but are rather mementos of the existence of the divine in daily life.
5. Personalised Gifts
Silver Ganapathi Pendant & Chain
Personalised gifts, such as custom-made Ganesha jewellery or engraved pictures of the deity, customised photo frames or items with the recipient’s initials, etc. Such products are meaningful and can be savoured as souvenirs of good feelings originating from you.
GIVA is Here With An Exclusive Range of Ganesh Chaturthi Gifts For You
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that represents devotion, joy, and strong community feeling. On the occasion of the birth of Lord Ganesha, GIVA brings you an exclusive range of gifts that are perfect to express your happiness and love to your family and close ones. With all the colours, traditions and ceremonial proceedings of the day, GIVA helps you decorate the life of the important people for you by buying them gifts that hold the true memory. Ganesh Chaturthi is a time to celebrate and gain his blessings. So this year, marking the celebrations with the right gifts symbolises the essence of the festival and the joy of Ganesha’s grace.