Ganesh Chaturthi

    What is Ganesh Chaturthi?

    Ten-day celebration of the Remover of Obstacles

    The Katha

    Maa Parvati fashioned a boy from sandalwood paste to guard her bath chamber. When Mahadev returned the boy blocked his way — in anger Mahadev severed his head. Moved by Parvati's grief, Mahadev replaced it with the head of a young elephant and revived the child as 'Ganesh', the lord of all ganas (cosmic attendants).

    Mantra

    ॐ गं गणपतये नमः

    Salutations to Ganapati with the seed-syllable 'Gam'.

    Vrat & Vidhi

    Fast on Sthapana day — avoid looking at the moon (it brings false accusations). Bathe at dawn, install the murti, offer 21 durva blades and modaks. Immerse the murti on day 10 (Anant Chaturdashi).

    Bhog

    Modak, laddu, durva grass, banana, coconut