When will Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 be Celebrated?

Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebrate on September 7, 2024

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity known for his wisdom, prosperity, and the ability to remove obstacles. This festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha and is observed with great enthusiasm across the country. In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on September 7th, a day that will see homes, temples, and communities come alive with festivities, prayers, and cultural performances. Let’s dive into the details of when and how Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 will be celebrated, along with the significance of the specific timings associated with the festival.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Date and Time

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated during the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada, as per the Hindu calendar. In 2024, the festival falls on Saturday, September 7th. However, the preparations and spiritual observances begin earlier with the start of the Chaturthi Tithi.

Here are the key timings for Ganesh Chaturthi 2024:

• Chaturthi Tithi Begins: September 6, 2024, at 03:01 PM
• Chaturthi Tithi Ends: September 7, 2024, at 05:37 PM
• Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Muhurat (Auspicious Time):
  From 10:30 AM to 12:59 PM on September 7, 2024

These timings are crucial as they dictate the most auspicious moments to install and worship the idol of Lord Ganesha in homes and temples. The period between 10:30 AM and 12:59 PM on September 7th is considered the ideal time to perform the puja (ritual worship), ensuring that devotees invoke Lord Ganesha’s blessings during the most favorable phase of the day.

Ganesh Chaturthi: A Glimpse into Tradition

Ganesh Chaturthi is not just about rituals and prayers—it’s a celebration of the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India. The festival spans ten days, culminating in Ganesh Visarjan (immersion of the idol) on Anant Chaturdashi, which falls on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. During these ten days, the devotion towards Lord Ganesha is expressed through various forms of celebration including:

• Idol Installation:
  The festival begins with the installation of clay idols of Lord Ganesha in homes, temples, and public spaces. These idols, ranging from small to massive, are crafted with intricate detail and care. The idol represents the arrival of Lord Ganesha, and the installation is done with prayers and mantras.
• Daily Puja and Offerings:
  Each day during the festival, devotees perform aarti (a ritual involving lamps), offer sweets like modaks (a sweet dumpling believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favorite), and chant mantras to seek Ganesha’s blessings. The daily worship signifies the importance of connecting with the divine to remove obstacles in life.
• Cultural Performances and Processions:
  Ganesh Chaturthi is also a time of grand processions, music, and dance, especially in cities like Mumbai and Pune. Large public celebrations feature cultural performances, plays, and devotional singing, creating a festive atmosphere. Public pandals (temporary structures to house the Ganesha idol) are elaborately decorated and attract thousands of devotees.

Significance of the Festival

The significance of Ganesh Chaturthi goes beyond religious worship. It is a festival that represents unity, prosperity, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles. Lord Ganesha is known as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, and is often invoked at the start of new ventures, journeys, or important life events to ensure success and smooth progress.

The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi also signifies:

• New Beginnings:
  Lord Ganesha’s birth represents new beginnings and fresh starts. His presence is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity, making Ganesh Chaturthi an ideal time for devotees to start new projects, businesses, or personal endeavors.
• Overcoming Challenges:
  The festival teaches devotees to face challenges with courage and wisdom. By invoking Lord Ganesha’s blessings, individuals hope to overcome obstacles in both personal and professional aspects of life.
• Unity and Inclusivity:
  Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated by people from all walks of life, regardless of caste, creed, or social status. The communal aspect of the festival promotes unity and solidarity, with everyone coming together to celebrate Lord Ganesha’s arrival.

City-Wise Shubh Muhurat for Ganesh Chaturthi 2024

While the overall timings for Ganesh Chaturthi Puja are important, specific Shubh Muhurat (auspicious time) for performing the rituals can vary slightly depending on the city or region. Here are the city-wise puja timings for some major cities across India:

• Mumbai: 11:22 AM – 01:51 PM
• Pune: 11:18 AM – 01:47 PM
• New Delhi: 11:03 AM – 01:34 PM
• Chennai: 10:53 AM – 01:21 PM
• Hyderabad: 11:00 AM – 01:28 PM
• Bengaluru: 11:04 AM – 01:31 PM
• Ahmedabad: 11:23 AM – 01:52 PM
• Kolkata: 10:20 AM – 12:49 PM
• Jaipur: 11:09 AM – 01:40 PM
• Chandigarh: 11:05 AM – 01:36 PM

These timings help devotees across India align their prayers and rituals with the most favorable moments to ensure they receive maximum blessings from Lord Ganesha.

Avoid Moon Sighting: A Unique Tradition

An interesting tradition associated with Ganesh Chaturthi is the avoidance of sighting the moon on certain days. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Ganesha cursed the moon after it mocked him for his appearance. To avoid misfortune or false accusations, devotees are advised not to look at the moon on the following times:

• September 6, 2024: From 03:01 PM to 07:49 PM
• September 7, 2024: From 08:44 AM to 08:22 PM

This practice is followed with strict adherence as it is believed that looking at the moon during these times may bring ill luck or misunderstandings.

Eco-Friendly Celebrations: A Modern Movement

In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly manner. Traditionally, idols were made from non-biodegradable materials like plaster of Paris, which led to environmental pollution when immersed in water bodies during Ganesh Visarjan. Today, many communities and individuals are opting for clay idols that dissolve in water without causing harm to the environment.

Other eco-friendly practices include:

• Using natural colors and materials for decoration
• Reducing the use of plastic and opting for sustainable decor
• Encouraging smaller idols to reduce water pollution during immersion
• Promoting community celebrations to limit the number of individual immersions

These efforts are aimed at preserving the environment while continuing the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Ganesh Chaturthi. Just as we know When Does Sawan Somwar Vrat Begin in 2024?

Conclusion: Welcoming Lord Ganesha in 2024

As the nation gears up for Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 on September 7th, the spirit of devotion, joy, and community is palpable. Whether celebrated in the grandeur of public processions or in the quiet sanctity of homes, the festival holds a special place in the hearts of millions. By observing the auspicious timings and following the age-old traditions, devotees hope to welcome Lord Ganesha into their lives, seeking his blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and a future free of obstacles.

With its combination of religious fervor, cultural richness, and environmental awareness, Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 promises to be a celebration of faith, unity, and responsibility.

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