Vinayagar Chaturthi Festivals – Tamilnadu

The elephant-headed deity, Lord Ganesha is the focal centre of celebrations on the day of Vinayagar Chaturthi. This festival falls generally in August or September in the Gregorian calendar and is considered a very auspicious festival across the country.

The statue of Lord Ganesha is installed in houses and at points of junctions in the city in varied sizes the night before the celebrations. Particular poojas and rituals are performed at temples, homes, and even crosswalks early on the morning of the festival.

Indian streets are usually always lined with little temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Everywhere you look, you can witness a small group of people doing poojas in honour of Hinduism's most revered deity. If we offer up our prayers before the task at hand, it is said that all of our endeavours will be successful.

He is a friendly form of god, especially to kids, because out of all gods, he appears in a very different form with an elephant head and a big belly, and in contradiction to his body size and shape, he has a small rat in front of him as his vehicle.

He loves rice balls, called modaka, and on this Ganesh Chathurthi day, many of these foods are served to him. Once the rites are over, the rice balls are distributed as prasadam. Thousands of worshippers adore Ganesha on this day, perched atop the Rock Fort hillock in Tiruchirappalli city. In particular, on this auspicious day, he will be offered two enormous rice balls, each weighing 75 kg, which will be a visual feast.

Make a prayer to Lord Ganesha to receive His blessings on all of your upcoming undertakings!

FAQ:

1.What is Vinayagar Chaturthi and when is it celebrated?

Vinayagar Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrating the elephant-headed deity, Lord Ganesha. It usually falls in August or September in the Gregorian calendar.

2.How is Lord Ganesha honored during Vinayagar Chaturthi?

Statues of Lord Ganesha are installed in homes and public places. Poojas and rituals are performed in temples, homes, and at street junctions early in the morning of the festival.

3.Why is Lord Ganesha considered a unique and beloved deity?

Lord Ganesha is depicted with an elephant head and a big belly, making him a friendly and distinctive form of god, especially to children. Despite his size, his vehicle is a small rat.

4.What special offerings are made to Lord Ganesha during Vinayagar Chaturthi?

Lord Ganesha loves rice balls called modaka, which are offered to him during the festival. After the rites, these rice balls are distributed as prasadam to the devotees.

5.Why do people offer prayers to Lord Ganesha before starting new tasks?

It is believed that offering prayers to Lord Ganesha before starting any task will ensure success, as he is known as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings.

6.What is the significance of the rice balls offered to Lord Ganesha?

The rice balls, are believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favourite food. Offering them symbolizes devotion and is considered to bring blessings to the devotees.