Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, marks the beginning of a 10-day celebration dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and remover of obstacles. The festival begins on Ganesh Chaturthi and culminates on Anant Chaturdashi, also known as Ganesh Visarjan, when the idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in water bodies. This year, there has been some confusion regarding the correct date for Ganesh Chaturthi—whether it falls on September 6 or September 7. Tirupati-based astrologer Dr. Krishna Kumar Bhargava has provided clarity on the matter, explaining the importance of the timing and the significance of choosing the right day to bring the idol home.
Importance of Ganesh Chaturthi and its Timings
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with immense devotion across India, especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, where homes and public pandals are adorned with statues of Lord Ganesha. People perform rituals, prayers, and offerings to seek the deity’s blessings for prosperity and success in their endeavors.
The date of Ganesh Chaturthi is determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar, specifically based on the “Chaturthi Tithi” (fourth day) of the “Shukla Paksha” (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. The timing of Chaturthi Tithi at sunrise plays a crucial role in determining when the festival should be celebrated.
Astrological Explanation by Dr. Krishna Kumar Bhargava
According to Dr. Bhargava, the confusion regarding the date of Ganesh Chaturthi this year stems from the timing of the Chaturthi Tithi. As per the Panchang (Hindu calendar), the Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi Tithi will start at 03:01 AM on September 6 and end at 05:37 AM on September 7. However, the critical factor in determining the correct date of Ganesh Chaturthi is whether the Chaturthi Tithi is present at sunrise.
Dr. Bhargava emphasizes that Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the day when the Chaturthi Tithi coincides with the time of sunrise, which is referred to as “Udaya Tithi.” This year, although the Chaturthi Tithi begins in the early hours of September 6, it will not be present during the sunrise on that day. Instead, the Tithi begins after sunrise on September 6 and continues until the early hours of September 7. Since the sun will rise at 06:02 AM on September 7, and the Chaturthi Tithi will still be active at that time, Ganesh Chaturthi will officially be celebrated on September 7.
Auspicious Time to Bring Home the Ganesh Idol
The process of bringing the Ganesh idol home, known as “Ganpati Sthapana,” is an important part of the festival’s rituals. It is believed that choosing the right time, or “muhurat,” for the installation of the idol brings good fortune and blessings to the household. According to astrologers, the most auspicious time for bringing the Ganpati idol into homes falls within specific windows known as “Shubh Muhurat.”
On September 7, there are certain periods throughout the day that are considered highly favorable for bringing Lord Ganesha home. The auspicious timeframes, derived from astrological calculations, take into account the movement of celestial bodies and their influence on the day’s energy.
Rituals and Fasting on Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a day for celebration but also for fasting and devotion. On this day, devotees observe a fast and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, seeking his blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and removal of obstacles in their lives. The fast is usually observed from sunrise to sunset and is broken after the evening prayers or “aarti.”
Many devotees bring the Ganesh idol into their homes or set it up in public pandals, where elaborate decorations, rituals, and prayers are performed daily until the day of Visarjan. During the festival, families and communities come together to celebrate through music, dance, and prayers, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual devotion.
Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024
This year, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 7, according to the correct astrological calculation based on Udaya Tithi. As the sun rises at 06:02 AM, it marks the beginning of the day when Lord Ganesha will be brought into homes and pandals for worship. Devotees are encouraged to use this day to bring the idol home and initiate the festivities, as it aligns with the most auspicious timings.
This festival holds great significance for millions of people, not only for its religious and cultural importance but also as a symbol of new beginnings. The presence of Lord Ganesha is believed to bring prosperity, success, and the removal of obstacles, making the occasion a time for hope, celebration, and devotion.
In summary, while September 6 may have seemed like a potential date for Ganesh Chaturthi due to the start of the Chaturthi Tithi in the early hours, it is ultimately September 7 that holds the correct alignment for the festival’s observance. On this day, with proper devotion and rituals, devotees will welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes, marking the beginning of a joyous 10-day celebration.
