Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is a ten day Hindu festival that starts on the fourth day of Bhadrapada that typically falls in the month of August or September on the Gregorian calendar. The festival of Lord Ganesh is marked with the installation of Ganesh idols both privately in homes as well publicly in elaborately designed and decorated pandals.

Lord Ganesh is the God of new beginnings as well as Remover of Obstacles. He is worshipped as God of wisdom and intelligence. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated almost throughout India however is very famous in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Ganesh Chaturthi is also observed in the neighboring country Nepal, and even in some far off countries like Suriname, Trinidad, Fiji, Mauritius, United States and Europe, where the Hindu Diaspora have made their home.

Though it is a religious festival but Ganesh Chaturthi played a very important role in the Indian freedom struggle. In the year 1893, Indian Freedom Fighter, Lokmanya Tilak praised the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi and he spearheaded the launch of annual domestic Ganesh Chaturthi event into a well organized public event. His aim was bring about the feeling of unity amongst masses through celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. It was a great way to bring people together through the fervor of festivities as opposed to a political gathering, and people had ten long days of interaction without the British beating down on them.

By: Madhuchanda Saxena

Content: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesh_Chaturthi