Prayers: Washing of the statue puja with the chanting of shlokas and offerings of flowers and sweets and aarti, i.e.

Not looking at the moon: On the first night of the festival, people avoid looking at the moon because it is considered a bad omen.

Installation of Ganapati statue: A statue of the Elephant God is installed on a pedestal either at home or in a public place with a pranprathishtha puja.

The celebrations last between 7 and 10 days at different places. Though the festival is the same and has similar connotations across India, each region has slight variations in rituals and traditions. What Rituals Are Observed for Vinayaka Chaturthi? According to Hindu customs, Lord Ganesh is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Vinayaka is portrayed with an elephantвЂ™s head on a human body. Lord Vinayaka is known as the fortune giver and one who can assist to avoid natural calamities.

The blessings of Lord Ganesha are invoked at religious ceremonies. Ganesh Chaturthi / Ganesh Puja is one of the widely celebrated Hindu festivals in the country. Ganesh is known by the names Heramba, Ekadanta, Ganapati, Vinayaka and Pillaiyar. Lord Ganesh is worshipped for prosperity and knowledge.

The festival celebrates Lord Vinayaka or Ganesh as the God of new beginnings and remover of hurdles. Ganesh Chaturthi / Ganesh Puja is majorly a national festival, which is marked with the installation of Ganesh clay idols both publicly and privately.

Ganesh festival