Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Fasting rules, visarjan date and puja vidhi

In 2023, Ganesh Chaturthi, a deeply cherished festival in India, is anticipated with heightened fervour and devotion. Celebrated with immense zeal nationwide, this sacred Hindu observance commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, renowned as the remover of obstacles and the bestower of wisdom and prosperity.

The atmosphere becomes infused with an unmistakable sense of delight, as vibrant processions, intricate decorations, and the rhythmic cadence of traditional drums grace the streets. Families and communities unite in crafting intricate clay idols of Lord Ganesha, followed by ten days filled with worship, music, dance, and sumptuous feasts. Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 promises a period of spiritual rejuvenation, harmony, and cultural opulence.

WHEN WILL GANESH UTSAV BEGIN AND END IN 2023?

The Ganeshotsav, the festivity of Ganesh Chaturthi, ends after 10 days on Anant Chaturdashi, which is also known as Ganesh Visarjan Day. On Anant Chaturdashi, devotees immerse the idol of Lord Ganesh in a water body after a gala street procession.

GANESH CHATURTHI TIMING:

According to Drig Panchang, Chaturthi Tithi Begins at 12:39 PM on Sep 18, 2023, and Chaturthi Tithi Ends at 01:43 PM on Sep 19, 2023.

GANESH CHATURTHI CELEBRATIONS:

In general, people bring an idol of Lord Ganesha to their home and worship for 10 days and on the 11th day, the grand visarjan occurs. This visarjan or immersion of Lord Ganesha in some water bodies is a musical and colourful procession.

FASTING RULES FOR GANESH CHATURTHI

For Nirjal (Waterless) Fasting: This is a strict form of fasting where you abstain from both food and water for the entire day.

For Phalahar (Fruit) Fasting: In this type of fasting, you can consume fruits, nuts, and dairy products like milk and yoghurt.

For Satvik Fasting: This involves consuming only simple, vegetarian, and easily digestible food items like sabudana (tapioca pearls), fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

GANESH CHATURTHI HISTORY:

According to popular belief, Goddess Parvati sculpted Lord Ganesha from earth, giving him the form of a young boy. She assigned him the duty of guarding the entrance while she bathed. During this time, Lord Shiva, unaware of Ganesha's identity, arrives and engages in a battle with him.

In the course of the conflict, Lord Shiva inadvertently severely slits Ganesha's head. This tragic event led to Goddess Parvati assuming the form of Goddess Kali, issuing a threat to Lord Shiva that unless a solution was found, she would unleash destruction upon the entire Universe.

In response, Lord Shiva instructed his followers to find a child and behead it, and fate led them to a baby elephant. Lord Shiva then affixed the elephant's head onto Ganesha's body, miraculously restoring him to life.

WHICH DAYS ARE GANPATI VISARJAN?

Ganesha Visarjan will be celebrated on Thursday, September 28, 2023

GANESH CHATURTHI 2023 START DATE:

Ganesha Chaturthi starts on Tuesday, September 19, 2023

GANESH CHATURTHI 2023 PUJA VIDHI:

Ganesh Puja is traditionally conducted during Madhyahna, as it is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during this specific time period. Madhyahna Kala corresponds to the midpoint of the day according to the Hindu division of time.

In Hindu timekeeping, the duration between sunrise and sunset is divided into five equal segments, namely Pratahkala, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna, and Sayankal. For the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi, Ganapati Sthapana and Ganapati Puja are specifically performed during the Madhyahna segment of the day. According to Vedic astrology and tradition, this Madhyahna period is considered the most auspicious and suitable time for conducting Ganesha Puja.

During this midday period, devoted followers of Lord Ganesha engage in a comprehensive and ritualistic Ganesha Puja, which is commonly referred to as Shodashopachara Ganapati Puja.