Mayoor School Jaipur Sept 06, 2024

Why Ganesh Chaturthi is Celebrated for 10 Days? Know the story behind Celebration

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated across India, especially in Maharashtra. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. The festival spans 10 days, starting on the fourth day of the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada (Shukla Paksha Chaturthi) and ending on the 14th day (Anant Chaturdashi).

But have you ever wondered why Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for 10 days? Let’s explore!

The Story Behind the Celebration

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati using sandalwood paste. He was brought to life to guard her door while she bathed. When Lord Shiva, Parvati's husband, returned, he was denied entry by Ganesha, unaware of Shiva’s identity. In anger, Lord Shiva beheaded Ganesha. Upon realizing the truth, Lord Shiva promised to bring him back to life and placed an elephant’s head on his body, thus reviving him. From that day onwards, Ganesha is worshiped as the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of new beginnings.

The Significance of 10 Days

The 10-day celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi holds profound cultural and spiritual meaning. Here are some reasons why it lasts for 10 days:

• Symbolic Representation of the Divine: The 10-day festival symbolizes the divine presence of Lord Ganesha on Earth. During these days, it is believed that Ganesha visits the homes of his devotees, blesses them with prosperity, and removes all obstacles.
• Spiritual Growth: These 10 days represent a journey of spiritual growth, where people engage in devotion, rituals, and prayers to cleanse their minds and souls. This period is seen as an opportunity to overcome one’s inner obstacles, such as anger, greed, or jealousy, and invite wisdom and peace.
• Devotional Practices: Over the 10 days, people engage in daily prayers, aartis (devotional songs), and offerings (like modaks, which are Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet). The idol of Lord Ganesha is worshipped in homes and public pandals (temporary structures), allowing devotees to fully immerse themselves in spiritual practices.
• Time for Immersion: On the 10th day, which is Anant Chaturdashi, the idol of Ganesha is immersed in a water body (known as Visarjan). The immersion signifies the cycle of birth and death, reminding us that all forms, no matter how divine, must return to the elements they came from.
• Community and Togetherness: Ganesh Chaturthi brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and devotion. The extended celebration allows people from different walks of life to participate in the festivities, share stories of Lord Ganesha, and celebrate togetherness.

Learnings from Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha, with his unique form and attributes, teaches us many valuable life lessons. Here are some important learnings:

• Importance of Knowledge: Ganesha’s large head represents wisdom, intelligence, and knowledge. We are encouraged to always seek knowledge and wisdom, just like Ganesha, who is revered as the god of intellect.
• Patience and Perseverance: Ganesha’s big ears remind us to be good listeners. Listening patiently before responding helps us understand others better. His calm demeanor teaches us to remain patient even in challenging situations.
• Humility and Modesty: Despite being one of the most powerful gods, Ganesha is known for his humble nature. His small eyes remind us to stay focused on our goals but to do so with modesty.
• Respect for Family and Elders: Ganesha’s love for his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, teaches us to respect our family and elders. It also shows us the importance of maintaining strong family bonds.
• Overcoming Obstacles: Known as the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta), Lord Ganesha teaches us that no problem is insurmountable. With determination, wisdom, and the right mindset, we can overcome any hurdle.
• Balance in Life: The combination of his elephant head and human body symbolizes the importance of balancing both our material and spiritual lives. Ganesha teaches us to enjoy worldly pleasures while remaining grounded in spirituality.

Also Read:- The Story of Onam Festival

Conclusion

Ganesh Chaturthi is more than just a festival; it’s a journey of devotion, learning, and community. The 10 days remind us of the importance of spiritual growth, while Lord Ganesha’s teachings inspire us to live a life filled with wisdom, patience, and perseverance. As we celebrate this beautiful festival, let’s remember the values and lessons that Lord Ganesha embodies and strive to incorporate them into our lives.

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! From the leading CBSE School in Jaipur, Mayoor School Jaipur.