Special offerings, particularly laddu and modak, are presented to Lord Ganesha.
Vinayak Chaturthi will be observed on February 13 this year.
Ganesh Jayanti, also known as Magh Shukla Chaturthi, marks the auspicious occasion of Lord Ganesha’s birthday, revered highly by Hindus. This year, the month of Magh commenced on January 21 and will culminate on February 19. On the Shukla Paksha of Magh month, Vinayak Chaturthi is celebrated, signifying a time of great significance for devotees. Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma, an esteemed astrologer and Vastu consultant from Bhopal states that the Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha began at 5:44 pm on February 12 and will end on February 13 at 2:41 pm. Consequently, the revered festival of Vinayak Chaturthi will be observed on February 13 in the month of Magh.
Devotees follow a prescribed method for the Vinayak Chaturthi Puja to honour Lord Ganesha. They wake up during Brahma Muhurta, the auspicious time before dawn, cleanse themselves with a bath and attire themselves in fresh garments. Subsequently, they lay out a cloth to place the idol of Bappa, Lord Ganesha. Lighting a lamp, offering flowers, garlands and durva grass to the deity ensue. Recitation of the Ganesh Chalisa and mantras, accompanied by the performance of Aarti, further demonstrates reverence.
Moreover, special offerings are presented to Lord Ganesha, particularly laddu and modak, his favoured sweets according to the scriptures. The Prasad, sanctified food offered to the deity, is then distributed amongst devotees, signifying communal blessings and prosperity.
Vinayak Chaturthi holds profound significance in Hindu culture. While it is celebrated as Ganesh Jayanti in Maharashtra, North India commemorates it during the month of Bhadrapada. The day holds prominence as devotees believe that fasting and meticulously adhering to rituals during Vinayak Chaturthi bestows happiness, prosperity and wisdom upon households. Diligent worship on this auspicious day is believed to secure the blessings of Lord Ganesha, facilitating the fulfilment of wishes and successful endeavours.
Vinayak Chaturthi embodies a time of devotion and reverence towards Lord Ganesha, fostering spiritual growth and communal harmony amongst devotees as they seek blessings and guidance from the revered deity