Ganpati Bappa Morya – Celebrating Wisdom, Prosperity & New Beginnings

 

Ganpati
Bappa Morya – Celebrating Wisdom, Prosperity & New Beginnings

Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India’s
most vibrant and beloved festivals, is celebrated every year on the fourth day
(Chaturthi) of the Bhadrapada month (Shukla Paksha). Revered as Vighnaharta
– the remover of obstacles – Lord Ganesha is worshipped for wisdom, prosperity,
and auspicious beginnings.

This ten-day festival marks the
birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity who symbolizes intellect, good
fortune, and spiritual guidance. Devotees bring beautifully crafted clay idols
of Ganesha to their homes and community pandals, chanting “Ganpati Bappa
Morya” with devotion. Offerings of sweets, especially Modaks,
prayers, and bhajans create an atmosphere of faith and joy.

Eco-Friendly
Celebrations & Local Highlights

This year, several puja committees
have embraced eco-friendly practices by crafting idols from natural clay and
organic colors. Prominent areas like Doranda, Harmu Road, Ratu Road, and Lalpur
are adorned with decorative lights, flags, and stalls selling puja essentials.

At Samlong Melatand Ground, members
of New Star Navyuvak Sangh Puja Samiti have commenced celebrations with a
unique offering – a 101 kg Laddoo for Lord Ganesha.

Rituals
& Traditions

• Pranaprathistha
  – Invoking divine energy into the idol.

• Offerings
  – Modaks, coconuts, flowers, and sweets presented to the deity.

• Aarti & Bhajans
  – Devotional songs and prayers that fill the air with divine vibes.

• Pandal Celebrations
  – Grand public installations where devotees gather for community prayers.

Ganesh
Visarjan – A Sacred Farewell

On the final day, known as Anant
Chaturdashi, idols are immersed in water with heartfelt chants, symbolizing
Lord Ganesha’s return to his abode and the promise of visiting again next year.

Historical
Significance

The public celebration of Ganesh
Chaturthi was popularized by freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak in 1890 in
Pune and Girgaon, Maharashtra, to unite people during India’s freedom struggle.

Iconic
Ganesha Pandals of Mumbai

1. Lalbaugcha Raja, Lalbaug

2. Ganesha Gali Mumbaicha Raja

3. GSB Seva Mandal, King’s Circle

4. Khetwadi Ganraj, Girgaon

5. Andheri Cha Raja, Andheri

6. Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani, Chinchpokli

7. Dongri Cha Raja, Dongri

Blessings
of Lord Ganesha

Ganesh Chaturthi reminds us that
with wisdom and patience, no obstacle is too big to overcome. May Lord Ganesha
bless you with happiness, prosperity, and new beginnings.

Picture of a Lord Ganesh idol
established in Ranchi.

Text & Photo by – Ashok Karan
ashokkaran.blogspot.com

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