2023 Calendar Ganesh Chaturthi: A Festival Of Joy And Devotion
Introduction
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across the country, especially in Maharashtra. In this article, we will explore the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi in 2023, the date and time, and the various events and festivals associated with it.
Personal Experience
As a child, I always looked forward to Ganesh Chaturthi. It was a time when our entire family would come together to celebrate the festival. We would decorate our house with flowers and lights, prepare delicious sweets and savories, and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha. I still remember the excitement and joy that filled our home during those days.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati to guard her chambers. He is considered the god of new beginnings, intelligence, and success. The festival is celebrated for 10 days, and on the last day, the idol of Lord Ganesha is immersed in water, symbolizing his return to his abode in Mount Kailash.
2023 Calendar Ganesh Chaturthi Date and Time
Ganesh Chaturthi in 2023 will be celebrated on 25th August. The festival begins on the fourth day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada and ends on the fourteenth day (Anant Chaturdashi).
Events and Festivals
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just about offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. It is also a time for cultural events, music, dance, and food. In Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated on a grand scale with pandals (temporary structures) erected in every locality. These pandals showcase beautifully crafted idols of Lord Ganesha and attract thousands of devotees. Apart from Maharashtra, Ganesh Chaturthi is also celebrated in other parts of India, such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Goa. Each region has its unique way of celebrating the festival, but the underlying devotion and joy remain the same.
List of Events and Festivals in 2023
1. Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja: The festival begins with the installation of the idol of Lord Ganesha in homes and pandals. The pooja involves offering flowers, sweets, and fruits to the deity and reciting prayers. 2. Cultural Programs: Many cultural programs are organized during Ganesh Chaturthi, such as music and dance performances, drama, and storytelling. 3. Visarjan: On the last day of the festival, the idol of Lord Ganesha is taken in a procession to a nearby water body and immersed. This ritual is called Visarjan. 4. Modak Making Competition: Modak is a sweet dish made of rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. It is considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite dish. Many competitions are organized during the festival to see who can make the best modak.
Question & Answer
Q: Why is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
A: Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, who is considered the god of new beginnings, intelligence, and success. Q: When is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in 2023?
A: Ganesh Chaturthi in 2023 will be celebrated on 25th August. Q: What are some of the events and festivals associated with Ganesh Chaturthi?
A: Some of the events and festivals associated with Ganesh Chaturthi are Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja, cultural programs, Visarjan, and Modak Making Competition.
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that celebrates the joy of new beginnings, the power of knowledge, and the spirit of devotion. It is a time to come together with family and friends, offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, and enjoy the cultural events and festivals. In 2023, let us celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with enthusiasm, joy, and devotion.