Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the biggest festivals of India. It will start on 27th August 2025 and end with visarjan on 6th September 2025. Lord Ganesha, who is called Vighnaharta (the remover of obstacles), is welcomed in homes and big pandals during these 10 days.
Let us understand in very simple words the story, rituals, famous pandals, food, and special things of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Why do we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
Long ago, Goddess Parvati made Lord Ganesha from clay. Once, Lord Shiva cut his head by mistake. Later, he replaced it with an elephant’s head and blessed him that people will worship him first before starting any work.
Many years later, Lokmanya Tilak started public Ganesh Utsav in Maharashtra to bring people together during British rule. Since then, this festival is celebrated with great joy.
Ganesh Idol and Days of Worship
People bring Ganesh idols home with love. The idol can be kept for 1.5 days, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, or 10 days.
Example:
1.5 days idol → visarjan on the next day evening.
10 days idol → visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi.
Puja Vidhi (Easy Steps)
- Clean the place and put red cloth.
- Place Ganesh idol, kalash, flowers, durva (green grass), and sweets.
- Offer modak, coconut, and fruits.
- Light diya and chant simple mantras like:
- “Ganpati Bappa Morya”
- “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”
Eco-Friendly Ganesh
Nowadays, people prefer clay idols (Shadu mati) because they dissolve in water and do not harm nature. POP idols pollute rivers and harm fish. Many housing societies keep artificial ponds for visarjan to save the environment.
Famous Ganesh Pandals of Maharashtra
1. Lalbaugcha Raja (Mumbai)
- Most famous Ganpati of Mumbai.
- People believe wishes come true here.
- Lakhs of devotees visit daily.
2. Siddhivinayak Temple (Mumbai)
- 200-year-old temple of Lord Ganesha.
- Celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar visit.
3. Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati (Pune)
- Known for golden decorations.
- Very popular in Maharashtra.
4. Ganesh Galli Mandal (Mumbai)
- Famous for creative themes and decorations.
5. Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani (Mumbai)
- Oldest Ganesh pandals, attracts huge crowd.
Important Dates in 2025
- 27 Aug 2025 – Ganesh Sthapana (1st Day)
- 28 Aug 2025 – Rishi Panchami
- 1 Sep 2025 – Ganesh Chaturthi Puja (special day)
- 6 Sep 2025 – Ganesh Visarjan (Anant Chaturdashi)
Sweets and Food During Ganesh Utsav
Ganpati loves sweets. Some famous foods are:
- Modak – favorite sweet of Lord Ganesha.
- Puran Poli – traditional Maharashtrian dish.
- Karanji and Ladoo – made in almost every home.
Ganesh Chaturthi Across India
- Maharashtra – grand pandals and visarjan processions.
- Goa – people make clay idols at home.
- Karnataka & Andhra – big celebrations in temples.
- Delhi & Kolkata – large community pandals.
Q1. Which Ganesh idol is best for home?
Clay idol (Shadu mati) is best because it is eco-friendly.
Q2. How many days can we keep Ganpati?
You can keep for 1.5, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days.
Q3. What is Ganpati’s favorite sweet?
Modak is Lord Ganesha’s most loved sweet.
Q4. Which is the most famous Ganpati in Mumbai?
Lalbaugcha Raja is the most famous.
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival, it is a feeling of unity, devotion, and joy. People welcome Bappa with love, pray for happiness, and finally say goodbye with the chant: “Ganpati Bappa Morya”
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Refer : When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2025: Date, Puja Timings, Significance, and Celebrations
