What is Ganesh Festival?
On the first day of Ganesh Festival , the devotees of lord Ganesh, mark the beginning of Ganesh Chathurthi and the last day is celebrated with a parade, carrying the idol for its ‘Visarjan’ or ‘immersion’. As the word immersion implies, the idol of Ganpati is immersed in river, sea or any other water body.
A ritual or the ‘Puja’ should be conducted before immersing the Ganapati idol in flowing water, accompanied by the recitation of specific mantras, including:
- Achaman ( a ritual to purify the mind and the body)
- Sankalpa (a solemn vow )
- Chandanarpan (offering sandalwood paste)
- Akshatarpan (offering akshata/uncooked rice grains)
- Pushparpan (offering flowers)
- Haridrakumkumarpan (offering turmeric powder and kumkum)
- Durvarpan (offering Durva/ Bermuda Grass)
- Dhoopa-deep darshan (lighting incense and a lamp)
- Naivedya ( Sacred Food )
There is a great story behind the legend of Ganapati visarjan. It is believed on the last day of this largest festival that is Ganesh Festival, lord Ganesh returns to Mount Kailas to his parents Lord Shiva and Lord Parvati. Lord Ganesh is sometimes referred to as the “Avighna” or the Remover of Obstacles. A common belief is that when the idol of Lord Ganesh is taken for Immersion, he takes away the obstacles of the house and are destroyed during the immersion.
Just as the arrival of Lord Ganesh brings joy to devotees during Ganesh Chaturthi, and his departure for Visarjan leaves them sad, much like the emotions felt when a loved one comes and goes. Seen as a family member, Lord Ganesh visits annually for a few days before returning to his home in Mount Kailash.
-Shruti Ghanpathi