Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: A Step-by-Step Guide to Rituals and Puja Vidhi

In Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from sandalwood paste in Lord Shiva's absence, to protect him while he bathed. When Lord Shiva tried to enter, Ganesha stopped him, leading to an argument. Following his mother's order, Lord Ganesha blocked the path of Lord Shiva. This enraged Lord Shiva and severed Ganesha's head from his body. After seeing this, Goddess Parvati transformed into her Kali avatar and threatened to destroy the universe in anger.

Then Shiva realized his mistake and replaced Ganesha's head with an elephant's head. This event represents the cycle of life, death and rebirth.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Ritual
Four main rituals are performed during Ganesh Chaturthi:

Prana Pratistha (Call of Life)
This ritual is performed on the first day of the festival to invoke life in the Ganesha idol. The priest chants mantras and performs other rituals to revive the idol.
Shodshopachara (16-fold worship)
This ritual is performed on the first day of the festival to offer 16 different types of Prasad to Lord Ganesha. Prasad includes flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, lamps and water.
Uttara Puja (Final Puja)
This ritual is performed on the 10th day of the festival to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha. The priest chants and performs other rituals to appease Ganesha and seek his blessings.
Ganapati Visharan (Demolition of Idol)
This ritual is performed on the 10th day of the festival to immerse the Ganesha idol in a river or sea. This marks the end of the festival and the return of Ganesha to his heavenly abode.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Pujavidhi

• Preparation
• Clean the house and the area where you plan to install the idol of Lord Ganesha.
• Buy or prepare items needed for the puja, such as a clay idol of Lord Ganesha, flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, sweets and traditional puja items.
• Installation of idol
• Place a clean cloth or decorative platform on the chosen area to install the idol.
• Place the idol of Lord Ganesha on the platform. You may choose to cover it with a cloth and unveil it during the pooja.

Steps to worship

• Begin by inviting Lord Ganesha to come and bless your home.
• Sprinkle some water on the idol and offer flowers.
• Offer flowers, incense and lamps while chanting Ganesha mantras.
• Offer asana (asana) to Lord Ganesha during the puja, signifying his presence.
• Offer water to wash the idol's feet as a sign of welcome.
• Offer water to Lord Ganesha to wash his hands.
• Offer water to the idol to sip, symbolizing purification.
• Bathe the idol with water, milk, curd, honey and ghee. Clean the idol.
• Offer new clothes to the idol.
• Decorate the idol with flowers, garlands and ornaments.
• Offer fruits, sweets and other delicacies to Lord Ganesha as a symbol of hospitality.
• Light a lamp and offer it to Lord Ganesha while singing or reciting aarti.

Do your prayers, express your wishes and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
On the last day of the festival, the idol is traditionally immersed in water. However, in recent times, eco-friendly idols are recommended, and immersion is done at home in a bucket or water container.