Importance Of Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is a fascinating festival in India that brings people of all ages together in a happy union to herald the merciful Lord Ganesh. The celebration lasts for about ten days in most parts of the country. There are several reasons why we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ganesh Chaturthi has been celebrated in India and several parts of the world since very long in history. This is, in fact, a multifaceted festival with several dimensions including cultural, religious, spiritual and social. The preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi starts a few months in advance when the idol makers start making attractive Ganesh images in different styles, fashions, materials and colours. The market is filled with activity including selling of flowers, fruits, different dishes, puja materials and decoration items for the puja. There is a festive and jubilant mood all around involving everyone on the move.

Lord Ganesh is the son of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. Mother Parvati made him from the turmeric paste collected from her body and gave life to the cute boy making him the guardian of her palace. Lord Shiva came to visit Mother Parvati and was stopped by the lad at the entrance. Angry Shiva severed the head of the boy with his Trishool. Mother Parvati wailed seeing the lifeless body of her darling child.

In order to pacify Mother Parvati, Lord Shiva asked for the head of an elephant to be brought and fixed it on the body of the boy bringing him back to life. He also made him the leader of his army and named Ganesh or Ganapati. Lord Ganesh got his life on the fourth day of the waxing phase of the lunar month in the month of baadrapada (August – September) and therefore this day is celebrated as Ganesh Chaturthi.