The Ganesh Chaturti festival is almost near, and preparations for the festival have already begun. It is one of India’s grandest festivals, resounding with divinity, celebrations, and splendour. It’s that time of year when devotees leave no stone unturned to welcome Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings, from chanting Ganapati Bappa Morya to decorated pandals to light up places of worship to the preparation of modak in most households.
This year’s Ganesh Chaturthi festival will begin on September 10 and will last until September 21. When you know the stories behind the festival, it makes it more exciting to celebrate, and therefore here are some interesting facts about Ganesh Chaturthi.
- Ganpati- Lord Ganesha’s name is derived from the Sanskrit word and is a combination of two Sanskrit words meaning Gana and Pati. Gana means a group of people, and Pati means lord, so Ganapati means lord of all people.
- Ganpati is the Hindu god of wisdom and obstacle removal, the son of Shiva and Parvati, and is depicted as a short fat man with an elephant’s head.
- Ganpati loved sweets and his favourite food was Modak, but he also enjoyed Pooran Poli, Ladoo, and Puffed Rice.
- Lord Shiva resurrected his son with Gajasura’s head. Seeing His son Ganesha’s love and devotion to Him and Parvati, Lord Shiva blessed Ganesha and instructed devotees to worship Ganesha before beginning any auspicious activity.
- Lord Ganesha is said to have had two wives, Riddhi, who represents prosperity, and Siddhi, who represents enlightenment. Riddhi gave birth to Subha, who represents auspiciousness, and Siddhi gave birth to Labha, who represents profit.
