Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Date, Time, Rituals, Puja Vidhi

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. It typically falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which usually corresponds to August or September in the Gregorian calendar. This year, it will be celebrated from September 19 to September 28. The festival spans 10 days, with the main celebrations occurring on the fourth day of the waxing moon period, which is known as Chaturthi.

2 things you need to know

• Celebrated from September 19 to September 28.
• Key rituals include Prana Pratishta and Ganpati Visarjan.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Date, Shubh Muhurat

The Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 12:39 p.m. on September 18 and conclude at 1:43 p.m. on September 19. The auspicious time to install the Lord Ganesha idol is during the Madhyahna Muhurat on September 19, from 11:01 a.m. to 1:28 p.m. However, it is critical to avoid moon sightings before Ganesha Chaturthi; hence, the forbidden time is from 09:45 AM to 08:44 PM on September 18.

(Follow the rules and timing of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi | Image: iStock)

Rituals

There are four main rituals that are performed during Ganesh Chaturthi:

Prana Pratishta (Invocation of Life)

This ritual is performed on the first day of the festival to invoke life into the Ganesha idol. The priest chants mantras and performs other rituals to bring the idol to life.

Shodashopachara (16-fold Worship) 

This ritual is performed on the first day of the festival to offer 16 different types of offerings to Ganesha. The offerings include flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, lamps, and water.

Uttarpuja (Final Worship) 

This ritual is performed on the 10th day of the festival to bid farewell to Ganesha. The priest chants mantras and performs other rituals to please Ganesha and ask for his blessings.

Ganpati Visarjan (Immersion of the Idol)

This ritual is performed on the 10th day of the festival to immerse the Ganesha idol in a river or ocean. This signifies the end of the festival and the return of Ganesha to his heavenly abode.

Puja Vidhi

To prepare for Ganesh Chaturthi puja, clean your home and designated area thoroughly. Gather essentials like a clay idol of Lord Ganesha, flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, sweets, and traditional puja items.

Install the idol on a clean cloth or platform. Optionally, cover it for a symbolic unveiling.

During the Ganesh Chaturthi puja, the following steps are observed: Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha's presence and consecrate the idol. Perform rituals of purification, including sprinkling water and offering various items while chanting mantras. Provide a comfortable seat for the deity and continue with rituals like washing the idol's feet and a ceremonial bath. Dress the deity in finery, and offer fruits, sweets, and a variety of dishes. Illuminate the area with a lamp, sing an aarti, and offer prayers. Conclude the festival with an eco-friendly immersion of the idol on the last day, and enhance the connection with Lord Ganesha through Shodashopachara Puja and Puranik Mantras.