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We Indians love celebrating festivals with unwavering zest, especially the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. A popular Hindu festival that commemorates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, Ganesh, or Vinayaka Chaturthi occurs in the Bhadra month which is usually August-September. Ganesh Chaturthi 2022 is a 10-day long auspicious celebration commencing on the 31st of August. Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 will begin on the 19th of September next year, while Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 will be on the 7th of September—dates may vary. The younger son of Lord Shiva—the creator, protector, and destroyer of the universe—and Goddess Parvati, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, Ganesh Utsav honours the elephant god of wealth and wisdom.
What is Ganesh Chaturthi
A 10-day-long festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the Ganpati festival holds an important place in Hindu culture. In 2022 Ganesh Chaturthi date falls on the 31st of August marking the rebirth of the Lord and new beginnings of prosperity and good fortune. As legend dictates, Lord Ganesha was created by the dirt from Goddess Parvati’s body. He was guarding her door while she took a bath. When Lord Shiva returned home, Ganesha, not knowing it was his father, stopped him. This act angered Mahadev, who in spite, cut off his son’s head. As a promise to return his son alive back to his wife, Lord Shiva fixed an elephant’s head on the child’s body and that led to the rebirth of Lord Ganesha.
Believed to be a "vighnakarta”, creator of obstacles for the demons, and “vighnaharta”, an averter of obstacles for the gods—Ganesha was given the utmost power by Lord Shiva. It is believed that praying to Lord Ganesha during the Ganpati festival frees people from their sins. Devotees offer prayers to the Hindu god asking for knowledge and wisdom, who in turn fulfils their desires of worldly pleasures.
A grand Ganesh festival is celebrated with pomp and show in every state of India. It holds special religious significance in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, and Goa. People from all castes and corners of society come together to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi and offer prayers and delicacies to the lord.
Ananth Chaturdashi
Ananth Chaturdashi falls on the last day of the 10-day Ganesh festival. Also known as Ganesh Chaudas, on this auspicious day the idol of Lord Ganesha is bid adieu by visarjan in water. With Ganesh Chaturthi 2022 falling on the 31st of August, Ananth Chaturdashi will fall on the 9th of September. Devotees fast on this day praying to Lord Vishnu in his anant (endless) form to get rid of worldly sorrows and sufferings. The idol of Lord Ganesha is laid down horizontally in a resting state before submerging him in the water. Special incantations and chants are sung by priests requesting the lord to come again and bring a multitude of prosperity and peace to the world.
Delicacies offered During Ganesh Festival
Ganpati Chaturthi is a festival that celebrates the grandeur of Lord Ganesha in his true form, a foodie. Believed to love his sweets, the god is offered a multitude of bhogs that are then distributed as prasad to the devotees who come to offer their prayers. Celebrating the first foodie on Ganesh Chaturthi, here are some of the delicacies to make for Lord Ganesha during the auspicious period:
Modak
A sweet dumpling made using dry fruits and sugar, Lord Ganesha’s love for the delicious modak is no surprise. On the first day of Ganpati 2022 devotees make and offer the lord’s favourite sweet in a variety of flavours. Try these unique food offerings for Lord Ganesha made across the country.
Motichoor Laddoo
This Vinayaka Chavithi 2022, serve Lord Ganesha with his second favourite food—motichoor ladoo. A soft, decadent sweet made using besan, garnish the laddoo with sliced dry fruits and saffron for a special rich twist.
Sheera
Made using semolina (suji), sugar, saffron, and nuts—sheera is a unique bhog recipe to offer the lord during this period.
Shrikhand
Another popular sweet dish served to Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra and Gujarat is Shrikhand. Made using hung yogurt that is whipped with sugar till light and frothy, you can serve Shrikhand in an authentic handi with slivers of almond and pistachios.
If you want to offer something other than these conventional sweet delicacies to Lord Ganesha on Ganpati 2022, try these 5 traditional recipes.
Famous Ganpati pandals to visit in Mumbai
This year Ganesh Chaturthi date falls on the last day of August. As devotees gear up to welcome Lord Ganesha once again into their hearts and home, here are some famous pandals to visit:
Lalbaugcha Raja
The king of Lalbaug, Lord Ganesha sits magnificently on his throne blessing over 1.5 million devotees every day during the festive period. The mandal of Lalbaugcha Raja was founded in 1934 and is one of the most frequented pandals in Mumbai ever since.
GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati
Believed to collect handsome donations each year, the GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati idol is a spectacle featuring exquisite gold and silver ornaments. Flocked with hundreds and thousands of devotees every day, the pandal houses round-the-clock priests to perform puja during the 10 days of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Andhericha Raja
On Ganesh Chaturthi 2022 date, 31st August, the Andhericha Raja exudes a royal vibe and holds immense religious significance for the locals. With many celebrities flocking to the pandal, for 10 days the King of Andheri will leave you mesmerised as he sits in his grand attire and stately charm, blessing all those who seek solace from his presence.
Without a doubt, the Ganesh festival is the biggest and most lavishly celebrated pious occasion in India. With Ganesh Chaturthi 2022 arriving in less than ten days, the air is filled with a frenzy of emotions as devotees gear up to welcome their raja.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.