Ganesh Chaturthi

 
 source: google images (pujahoma.com)



Vakratunda Mahakaaya
Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva
Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada

 Means: The Lord with the curved trunk and a mighty body, who has the spark of a million suns, I pray to thee Oh Lord, to remove all the obstacles from all the actions I intend to perform.

Ganesha is the lord of prosperity and is invoked before the begining of any important work by Hindus. It is belived that for fulfillment of one's dream the lord Ganesha's blessings are necessary. He gives inner spiritual strength to acheive success.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the birthday of Lord Ganesh, from 10 days of Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to the Anant Chaturdashi. These days Ganesha's statues are installed in the street corners and in homes. Arrangements are made for decoration, lighting and flowers. Daily prayers are performed. As prasad coconut, jaggery, 21 'modakas', 21 'durva' blades and red flowers are offered.
           The artists who make the idols of ganesh compete with each other to make bigger, magnificent, elegant and more beautiful idols. The size of such idols may vary from 10 meters to 30 meters.
           On the 11th day, the statue is taken through the streets in a procession accompanied with dancing, singing, and fanfare to be immersed in a river or the sea symbolising a ritual see-off of the Lord Ganesha in his journey towards his abode in kailash while taking away misfortunes of his devotees with him, this ritual is known as Ganesh Visarjan.  All join in this final procession shouting "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Laukar Ya", means Lord Ganesha, come again speedily next year).


                                        
                                               source: google images (bharatonline.com)



                                       May the blessings of Shri Ganesha be upon you all
                                          May he remove all the obstacles from your path
                                May he bestow material prosperity and liberation to all of you.