Vinayak Chaturthi 2023: Date, Time, Puja Rituals, Mantras and Significance

Vinayak Chaturthi: Celebrating the Birth of Lord Ganesha

Every year, millions of Hindus around the world come together to celebrate Vinayak Chaturthi, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi. This auspicious festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. The festival lasts for ten days and is filled with vibrant rituals, elaborate decorations, and joyous festivities. Let us delve into the significance and traditions associated with Vinayak Chaturthi.

Vinayak Chaturthi 2023 Date in India: 19th September, Tuesday

Vinayaka Chaturthi 2023 Overview

Vinayak Chaturthi 2023 India Calendar

Celebrate Vinayak Chaturthi 2023 with this special India Calendar; featuring a unique design for each month and special cultural highlights.

Vinayak Chaturthi 2023 Time in India

Get ready for Vinayak Chaturthi 2023, folks! It’s happening on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. The ideal time for Ganesha Puja is from 11:01 AM to 01:28 PM during the Madhyahna period. This auspicious period lasts for a total of 2 hours and 27 minutes.

When it comes to bidding farewell to our beloved Ganesha, mark your calendars for Thursday, September 28, 2023. However, to avoid spotting the moon a day earlier, the recommended time frame is from 12:39 PM to 08:10 PM on September 18. This window extends for a duration of 7 hours and 32 minutes. If you want to play it safe and completely avoid sighting the moon, make sure to stay away from it between 09:45 AM and 08:44 PM on the day of the festival. This timeframe spans for a whopping 10 hours and 59 minutes.

The Chaturthi Tithi commences at 12:39 PM on September 18, 2023, and concludes at 01:43 PM on September 19, 2023.

Now, let’s take a look at the specific timings for different cities across India:
– Pune: 11:15 AM to 01:41 PM
– New Delhi: 11:01 AM to 01:28 PM
– Chennai: 10:50 AM to 01:16 PM
– Jaipur: 11:07 AM to 01:34 PM
– Hyderabad: 10:57 AM to 01:23 PM
– Gurgaon: 11:02 AM to 01:29 PM
– Chandigarh: 11:03 AM to 01:30 PM
– Kolkata: 10:17 AM to 12:44 PM
– Mumbai: 11:19 AM to 01:43 PM
– Bengaluru: 11:01 AM to 01:26 PM
– Ahmedabad: 11:20 AM to 01:43 PM
– Noida: 11:01 AM to 01:28 PM

When is Vinayak Chaturthi 2023?

The Legend of Lord Ganesha

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. One day, while Parvati was taking a bath, she decided to create a son to guard the entrance to her chamber. She molded a figure out of turmeric paste and brought it to life. Little did she know that this child would become one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism.

As the story goes, when Lord Shiva returned home and tried to enter the chamber, he was stopped by the young boy. Not recognizing him as his own son, Lord Shiva became furious and engaged in a fierce battle with him. In a fit of rage, Lord Shiva severed the boy’s head. Upon realizing his mistake and seeing Parvati’s anguish, Lord Shiva promised to bring the boy back to life.

Lord Shiva ordered his followers to find the head of any creature that was sleeping with its head facing north. They returned with the head of an elephant, which Lord Shiva then placed on the boy’s body, bringing him back to life. From that day forward, Lord Ganesha became known as the elephant-headed god.

Significance of Vinayak Chaturthi

Vinayak Chaturthi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Hindus worldwide. The festival signifies the birth of Lord Ganesha and is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to the devotees. Lord Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles, and people pray to him for success in their endeavors and seek his blessings for a smooth journey through life.

During this ten-day festival, devotees install clay idols of Lord Ganesha in their homes or in public pandals (temporary structures). These idols are intricately crafted by skilled artisans and are adorned with colorful decorations. The installation of the idol is accompanied by various rituals and prayers.

Rituals and Traditions of Vinayak Chaturthi

The festival begins with the installation of the idol, which is done with utmost reverence. The idol is placed on a raised platform and decorated with flowers, garlands, and ornaments. Devotees offer prayers, chant hymns, and perform aarti (a ritual of waving a lit lamp) to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

Throughout the ten days, devotees visit the pandals to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. They bring offerings such as modak (a sweet dumpling), fruits, and flowers, which are considered to be Lord Ganesha’s favorite. These offerings are distributed among the devotees as prasad (blessed food).

On the final day of the festival, known as Ananta Chaturdashi, the idol is taken in a grand procession through the streets, accompanied by music and dance. Devotees immerse the idol in a nearby body of water, symbolizing Lord Ganesha’s return to his heavenly abode. This ritual is known as visarjan.

Environmental Impact of of Vinayak Chaturthi

While Vinayak Chaturthi is a joyous occasion, it is important to consider its environmental impact. The immersion of idols made from non-biodegradable materials, such as plaster of Paris and chemical dyes, can pollute water bodies and harm aquatic life. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about eco-friendly celebrations, with many communities opting for clay idols and natural colors that do not harm the environment.