Vinayaka Chavithi 2024 – Ganesha Navarathulu, also known as Vinayaka Chavithi, is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus across India. To understand Vinayaka Chavithi better, itโs important to first learn about Vinayakudu.
1. Who is Vinayakudu?
Vinayakudu is the son of Parvati and Parameswara. He also known by various other names, such as Ganapati, Lambodara, Vigneshwara, Soorpakarnudu, and Gajaanana. Itโs important to note that each of these names reflects unique attributes associated with Lord Ganapati.
According to the Vedas and Hindu Puranas, Vinayakudu is the leader of all the divine hosts. This is why every pooja or prayer traditionally begins with an invocation to Ganapati first.
2. He is acclaimed for his wisdom and intelligence:
Ganesha and his brother Kartikeya once competed to see who could circle the earth the fastest. While Kartikeya quickly flew off in a rush, Ganesha chose to reverently circle his parents instead. Since Lord Shiva and Parvati are seen as the core of creation, Ganesha was declared the winner. His choice highlighted both his wisdom and an important lesson in Hinduism: deep respect and honor for oneโs parents, as they are fundamental to creation.
3.Remover of obstacles:
Ganesha is widely recognized as the remover of obstacles, which is why many Hindus revere him before embarking on significant undertakings such as business ventures, marriages, or childbirth. Additionally, Ganesha plays a crucial role in clearing obstacles on the spiritual path, making him a revered figure among those pursuing spiritual enlightenment globally.
When do we celebrate Vinayaka Chavithi?
We celebrate Vinayaka Chavithi on Shukla Paksha Chavithi, the day Lord Ganesha was born. This marks the beginning of Vinayaka Navarathrulu, which we observe from Shukla Paksha Chavithi for the following nine days.
Vinayaka Chavithi in 2024:
In 2024, Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations will begin on Saturday, September 7th 2024. The festival will be observed from September 7th and continue for the following nine days.
Customs of Ganesha Navarathrulu:
At the beginning of the festival, idols of Ganesha are placed on elevated platforms within homes or in intricately decorated outdoor tents. The worship starts with the pranapratishtha, a ritual to imbue the idols with life, followed by shhodashopachara, which involves performing 16 traditional offerings.
During the ceremony, traditional offerings are made while Vedic hymns from sacred texts such as the Ganesh Upanishad are chanted. The idols are adorned with red sandalwood paste and yellow and red flowers. Ganesha is also presented with coconut, jaggery, and 21 modaks (sweet dumplings), which are believed to be his favorite delicacies.
At the end of the festival, the idols are paraded to local rivers in grand processions, accompanied by drumbeats, devotional singing, and dancing. There, they are immersed in the water, a ritual representing Ganeshaโs return journey to Mount Kailas, the home of his parents, Shiva and Parvati.
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