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Hello All,

I wish you and your family, friends, near and dear........

A very happy, serene and joyful Ganesh Chaturthi wishes (23/08/09).

Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganesha Festival is a day on which Lord Ganesha, the son of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees. It is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi in Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu; as Chavath in Konkani and as Chathaa in Nepali. It is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. The festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada, starting on the Shukla Chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period, a phase of the moon in which the face of the moon gets larger). The date usually falls between 20th August and 15th September. The festival lasts for 10 days, ending on Ananta Chaturdashi, and is celebrated all over India, widely in Nepal, Sri Lanka and in many locations across the world.

Ganesh Chaturthi starts with the installation of the Lord Ganesh statues in colorfully decorated homes and specially erected temporary structures, mantapas/pandals in every locality. The pandals are erected by the people or a specific society or locality or group by collecting monetary contributions. The mantapas are decorated specially for the festival, either by using decorative items like flower garlands, fruits and lights or are theme based decorations, which depict religious themes or current events. The statues are worshiped with families and friends. For 10 days, from Bhadrapada Shudha Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi, Ganesha is worshipped. 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 symbolizing a ritual see-off of the Lord in his journey towards his abode in Kailash while taking away with him the misfortunes of his devotees.

Ganesha or Gajanana, the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, is widely worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. The term 'Ganesha' means 'Eesha - Head/Lord' of 'Ganas - Hosts/Troops/Followers of Lord Shiva'. Ganesha, also known as Vighnaraja, the Lord of Obstacles, both of a material and spiritual order, is popularly worshipped as a remover of obstacles, though traditionally he also places obstacles in the path of those who need to be checked. Devotees believe that if Ganesha is propitiated, he grants success, prosperity and protection against adversity and celebrate his festival, Ganesh Chaturthi in a grand manner.

Many many happy returns of the day.

All the best and take care….

With thanks, regards and best wishes,
G.Srikanth.