Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival of Lord Ganesha, is more than a religious event, it’s a journey of faith, devotion, joy, and bittersweet farewells. From the moment the idol arrives home or in the pandal, to the final visarjan in rivers or seas, every step carries deep spiritual meaning. Let’s walk through this journey, understanding the significance of each stage and the emotional connection devotees feel.
Based on Hindu calendar calculations, Ganesh Chaturthi Date & Time 2025:
| Event | Date | Time / Duration |
| Ganesha Chaturthi | Wednesday, 27 Aug 2025 | — |
| Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat | 27 Aug 2025 | 11:05 AM – 01:40 PM (2 hrs 34 mins) |
| Ganesha Visarjan (Anant Chaturdashi) | Saturday, 6 Sep 2025 | — |
| Moon Sighting Avoidance (Previous Day) | Tuesday, 26 Aug 2025 | 01:54 PM – 08:29 PM (6 hrs 34 mins) |
| Moon Sighting Avoidance (Chaturthi Day) | Wednesday, 27 Aug 2025 | 09:28 AM – 08:57 PM (11 hrs 29 mins) |
| Chaturthi Tithi Begins | Tuesday, 26 Aug 2025 | 1:54 PM |
| Chaturthi Tithi Ends | Wednesday, 27 Aug 2025 | 3:44 PM |
1. Ganpati Sthapana – Welcoming Bappa Home
The festival begins with pran pratishtha — the ritual of inviting Lord Ganesha into the idol. This is usually done during auspicious muhurats, which astrologers calculate based on the lunar calendar.
- Why it matters:
The sthapana marks the start of Ganesha’s stay in our homes, symbolizing wisdom and prosperity entering our lives. - Practical Tip:
Place the idol in the northeast corner of your home for maximum positive energy, as per Vastu and astrology.
2. Daily Aarti – The Heartbeat of the Festival
Morning and evening aartis are the soul of Ganesh Chaturthi. Devotees sing bhajans, chant mantras like:
“Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kurume Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada”
- Emotional Role:
These moments bring families and communities together, filling the air with devotion and joy. - Astrological Insight:
Chanting Ganesha mantras during Brahma Muhurta (around 4:30–6:00 AM IST) is believed to remove planetary obstacles and attract blessings.
3. Offerings – Naivedya with Love
Every day, devotees offer naivedya (prasad) — modaks, laddus, coconut, or fruits.
- Spiritual Reason:
Offering sweets to Ganesha symbolizes sharing abundance and sweetness in life. - Remedy Tip:
On Wednesday (Budhwar), offer 21 durva grass blades to Lord Ganesha to strengthen Mercury in your horoscope, improving communication and intellect.
4. Visarjan – The Emotional Goodbye
The visarjan is not just a physical immersion of the idol — it’s a symbolic release. We thank Ganesha for visiting and request him to return next year (“Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!”).
- Why We Feel Emotional:
The festival creates an intimate bond with the deity. Letting go is bittersweet — we part with faith that Bappa will come again. - Eco-conscious Note:
Use clay idols and natural colors to protect rivers and oceans.
5. Astrological Remedies for Ganesh Chaturthi
- For Career Growth: Light a lamp with ghee during morning aarti and chant “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” 108 times daily.
- For Removing Obstacles: Offer red flowers and durva grass while facing the east during prayers.
- For Family Harmony: Place a turmeric Ganesha in the puja room during the festival and immerse it on the last day.
6. The Spiritual Lesson Behind the Journey
From aarti to visarjan, Ganesh Chaturthi teaches:
- Joy in welcoming blessings
- Discipline through daily rituals
- Gratitude in letting go
- Hope for renewal
“सुखकर्ता दुःखहर्ता वार्ता विघ्नाची, नुरवी पूर्वी प्रेम कृपा जयाची” —
Ganesha, the remover of sorrows and bringer of joy, assures us that love and grace never leave us.
Final Thoughts
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival, it’s an emotional pilgrimage of the heart. We begin with grand celebrations, live days of deep devotion, and end with the wisdom that all forms are temporary, but divine blessings are eternal.
So, when Bappa leaves after visarjan, remember, it’s not goodbye, it’s an invitation to keep his presence alive in your heart all year.
Q: Why do we immerse Lord Ganesha’s idol in water during visarjan?
A: The visarjan reminds us of the temporary nature of life and material forms. Ganesha, who is formless energy, comes to bless us in idol form for a few days. By immersing the idol, we symbolically return him to the cosmic elements, carrying forward his blessings and teachings in our hearts.
