10 days Ganesh chaturthi and 10 points about Ganesh chaturthi

10 days Ganesh chaturthi, 10 points about Ganesh chaturthi: Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is a vibrant 10-day celebration that sweeps across the nation with immense fervor.

10 days Ganesh chaturthi

Revered as the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune, Lord Ganesha is affectionately known by various names, including Gajanana, Dhumraketu, Ekdanta, Vakratunda, and Siddhi Vinayaka. 

This festive occasion is a resplendent showcase of India's diverse Hindu heritage and traditions, making it a deeply cherished and revered festival in the country. 

Why Ganesh chaturthi is celebrated for 10 days?

Ganesh chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated for 10 days. There are various stories about this and we are telling top 3 stories which are related as per Hindu mythology. 

• First story is related to Ganesha's miraculous birth, 
• Second story is related to Mahabharata where Rishi Vyasa enlisted Lord Ganesha's assistance in transcribing the epic Mahabharata and 
• The third story is related to Ganesha ji embarks on a terrestrial journey, accepting invitations from devotees

Checkout all three stories in detail as below.

Story 1 - 10 days symbolizing Ganesha's miraculous birth

• In Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati crafted Lord Ganesha from the sandalwood paste used in her bathing ritual, infusing the idol with life. 
• During one of her baths, she tasked Ganesha with guarding the entrance. 
• However, when Lord Shiva, her husband, returned, Ganesha refused him entry, leading to a dramatic confrontation. 
• In a fit of anger, Shiva severed Ganesha's head. 
• Filled with remorse, Shiva later replaced Ganesha's head with that of an elephant, restoring him to life. 
• All this happened for 10 days, therefore there is significance of 10 days celebration.
• This poignant tale is commemorated during the 10-day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, symbolizing Ganesha's miraculous birth, his ultimate reunion with Parvati, and his transformation into a revered deity.

Story 2 - 10 days related to Mahabharata

• Legend has it that Sage Vyasa enlisted Lord Ganesha's assistance in transcribing the epic Mahabharata. 
• Ganesha diligently wrote for 10 consecutive days, resulting in a thick layer of dust and grime accumulating on his body. 
• To cleanse himself, Ganesha bathed in the sacred Saraswati River on the 10th day. 
• This mythological event is commemorated by the immersion of Ganesha's idol on the 10th day of the Ganesh Utsav festival. 

Story 3 - For 10 days Ganesha visits devotees 

• Another belief suggests that during this 10-day period, Lord Ganesha embarks on a terrestrial journey, accepting invitations from devotees to reside in their homes and public spaces. 
• The festival culminates on Anant Chaturdashi, the 10th day, when the idol is submerged, and devotees bid farewell, seeking Ganesha's blessings for his return the following year.

10 points about Ganesh chaturthi for 10 days Ganesh chaturthi 

Day 1 - Installation and Invocation

• The 10-day festival commences with the installation of Ganesh idols in homes and temples
• This is accompanied by the ritual of 'Pran Pratishtha', inviting the spirit of Lord Ganesha into the idol. 
• The day also features Ganapati Puja, chanting of hymns, and offering of sweets like modaks, Lord Ganesha's favorite.

Day 2 & Day 3 - Devotional Singing and Cultural Programs

• The second and third days are dedicated to devotional singing, cultural performances, and community events. 
• Temples and local communities organize Bhajans, dance performances, and cultural programs celebrating Lord Ganesha, making these days a joyful and festive experience.

Days 4 & Day 5 - Community Celebrations and Decorations

• The fourth and fifth days feature elaborate decorations, theme events, and vibrant processions in public pandals. 
• The festival's spirit is reflected in street decorations, lights, and processions accompanied by music, dance, and firecrackers.

Day 6 - Special Puja and Prayers

• On the sixth day, a special puja called 'Raja Ganpati' is performed, offering prayers and rituals seeking Lord Ganesha's blessings for prosperity and success.

Days 7 & Day 8 - Preparations for Immersion

• The focus shifts to preparing for the grand immersion procession. 
• Families and communities begin arrangements for the final procession, taking the Ganesh idol to a water body for immersion, symbolizing the deity's return to his divine abode.

Day 9 - Anant Chaturdashi and Immersion

• Anant Chaturdashi marks the end of the Ganesh Chaturti festival. 
• The grand procession for immersion takes place, accompanied by traditional music, dance, and celebration. 
• Devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with reverence.

Day 10 - Post-Immersion Rituals and Clean-up

The final day involves post-immersion rituals and clean-up activities. A small puja is organized to thank Lord Ganesha for his blessings, marking the conclusion of the festival.