Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, also referred to as Vinayaka Chaturthi or simply Ganesh Utsav, is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism which worships the birth of Ganesha the elephant God. Believe it or not, Lord Ganesha is invoked traditionally in the beginning of any new activity such as planning, learning, or doing business.
This ten-day festival is held with much enthusiasm and prayers by millions of Hindus around the world, most importantly India. Other than Ganesha, various names such as Gajanana, Dhoomraketu, Ekdanta, Vakrtunda, and Siddhi Vinayaka are associated with Lord Ganesha. Ganesha is the god of wisdom, prosperity as well as good luck.
Lord ganesha also goes by several names such as Ganesh Chaturthi begins from the 4th day (Chaturthi) of Bhadrapada. The month which occurs between August and September in the western calendar. At that time, beautiful clay idols of Lord Ganesha are place in homes, temples and public pavilions. With the help of delicate decorations and then are praying for them during various activities.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Date and Timings
The 10-day festival commences on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the month Bhadra as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It falls between the months of August and September in the Gregorian calendar. The Year 2024 will witness the festivities and their associated rituals beginning on Friday, September 6th, 2024, 03:01 p.m. and will end on Tuesday the September 17th, 2024 at 05:37 p.m. The Ganesh Visarjan that is for 2024 is planned for Tuesday, September 17, 2024. A very auspicious time called the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat is observed from 11:03 p.m. to 01:34 p.m. which covers 2 hours and 31 minutes.
| Date | Date and Time |
| Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Start date | September 7 (Saturday) |
| Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Puja tithi start: | September 6 (Friday) at 3:01 PM |
| Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Puja tithi end: | September 7 at 5:37 PM |
| Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Puja muhurat | 11:03 AM to 01:34 PM |
| Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: End date/visarjan: | September 17 (Tuesday) |
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Origin and Significance
This Ganesh Chaturthi was first organized in the 17th century Maratha Empire with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj celebrating it for the purpose of Nationalism among his subjects.
The Chaturthi Fasting and Dressing ‘The Elephant God’ also has some features which accounts for it being celebrated for this long. It gained general appeal during the colonial period after political leader Lokmanya Tilak employed it as a unifying force for the masses in their quest for freedom.
As Ganesh Chaturthis celebrated on the birthday of the elephant god by the great needs of the Hindu religion. Ganesh Chaturthi which is otherwise referred to as Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav is observed as a festival of great importance to Hindu religion and spirituality.
As per the Sacred books of Hindus, it is said that Goddess Parvati herself molded him and gave him breath. In his role as ‘Vighnaharta’, the one who alleviates hardship. Lord Ganesha is revered as the lord of wisdom, intelligence, and learning. Worshippers pray to him to be successful in their endeavors, new beginnings, as well as education.
Rituals and Celebration of the Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that unifies all in the society. It is marked with much zeal and people from every social strata participate in it throughout various regions in India. As observed above, even though the festival is important religion wise, Ganesh Chaturthi has also quickly become an important in terms of culture and society, acting as a center and place for creativity.
The festival has no restrictions and believes in the oneness of people irrespective of hate for caste, creed or religion. It unites people to rejoice the great God- Ganesha. If devotees wish to enjoy a fruitful Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024, they should follow the given guidelines throughout the day:
- To get up in the morning, perform ablution, and wear neat clothes to start the day with cleanliness and worship.
- Place the image of the idol on a chowki covered with a red/yellow badla cloth indicating prosperity and royalty.
- Worship lord Ganesha and give Ganga Jal (holy water of the Ganges), diya, haldi-kumkum tilak, Laddo or Modak, fruit, flower, etc.
- Adorn the place with decorative items which will make the place look attractive and inviting to all.
- Begin the pooja (worship) by first chanting the mantra: “Om Gan Ganpataye Namah”. Then following up with sacred texts and devotional songs (bhajan kirtan).
For those who cannot bring Lord Ganesha home, one can conveniently go to the temples. And pray which enables them to celebrate the occasion and receive blessings from the deity.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a religious feast where the best attributes of Lord Ganesha are believed and dedicated for, as well as a period for self evaluation. It is such a festival that its effect does not change and it does not leave people’s imaginations, inspiration and unification regardless of the barriers since it embraces the people of India’s culture.
