Ganesh Utsav 2015

Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Ganesh Utsav is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi 2015 will be celebrated on 17 September.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2015

Ganesh Chaturthi 2015 Date

When: 17 September, 2015

Where: Maharashtra

Ganesh Chaturth - 'Ganesh Chaturthi', is a festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, one of the most revered Gods in the Hindu pantheon. Widely celebrated in India, especially in Maharashtra, on account of Lord Ganesha's divine visit to the earthly realm in the month of Bhadra, falling in August/September, this festival sees huge advance preparation. Also known as 'Ganesh Jayanti', this popular festival ends with immersion of Lord Ganesha's idol in rivers and lakes amidst full rejoicing.

Spread over ten days of rituals, festivities and chanting of powerful mantras that eulogize various aspects of Lord Ganesha, 'Ganesh Utsav' brings people together in complete devotion. With the ubiquitous idols Lord Ganesha in his grand seated posture bestowing success on mankind in important endeavors, this festival honors the divine aspect of intelligence and wisdom.

While Ganesh Chaturthi festival finds wide resonance in all parts of India including Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, the tradition of elaborate processions, decorations and sculpting of beautiful and life-like idols is most visible in Maharashtra state. The whole city of Mumbai, famed for its vivacious celebrations, is abuzz with large-scale celebrations and hectic activities during this period. 'Pandals' are set up in every locality with thematic decorations and people throng them for 'arti', and 'puja'. These 'pandals' compete with each other in terms of scale of decoration and idol-size. Both traditional 'bhajans' and contemporary music renditions follow in the evenings.

The Pune festival associated with 'Ganesh Utsav', is a most-awaited festival that showcases traditional culture and customs. The Pune festival offers great opportunity for people to enjoy. People can participate in cultural programmes, buy exquisite indigenous handicrafts and clothes, try several cuisines and observe the customs of Maharashtra.

The Ganesh Chaturthi 'Visarjan' ceremony is marked with great pomp and vivacity with distinct music, dance and drum-beat element. These grand farewell processions see huge participation from everywhere. Amidst deafening drum-beats and slogans of "Ganpati Bappa Morya", the idol of Lord Ganesha is immersed into the river with complete reverence and devotion.

The huge preparation required for 'Ganesh Jayanti' festivities takes the form of community activity in residential areas and societies. People bring idols into their homes and worship Lord Ganesha by chanting mantras, offering sweets, flowers and 'doob'. 'Modak' and 'laddoos' are the traditional sweet offerings prepared at home and also widely available in shops. As people eagerly wait for the auspicious fortnight, Ganesh Chaturthi 2015 is expected to see the same aplomb and enthusiasm or even more.