Ganesh Chaturthi is being celebrated with fervour across India. It is one of the most significant festivals for Hindus and marks the birth of Lord Ganesha. He is known as the God of New Beginnings, Vighnaharta (Remover of Obstacles), and the God of Wisdom and Intelligence. While bringing Lord Ganesha into our homes and pandals is a moment of joy, the occasion of Ganpati Visarjan is equally important. It marks the end of Ganesh Chaturthi and involves immersing the idol of Lord Ganesha in a water body. The symbolism represents Lord Ganesha being sent back to his parents’ home—Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The idol of Lord Ganesha is carried with pomp, in a procession where people dance and chant, "Ganpati Bappa Morya.” The idol is finally immersed in a river or the ocean. Due to environmental concerns, people have started making idols with eco-friendly materials.
According toDrik Panchang, “Ganesha Visarjan can be done on the same day as Ganesha Chaturthi after Ganesha Puja. Most Puja Vidhi(s) of Hindu deities include either Visarjan or Utthapana at the end of the Puja. However, Ganesha Visarjan on the same day as Ganesha Chaturthi is less popular.” It also states, “Ganesha Visarjan, which is done on the next day of Ganesha Chaturthi, is known as one and a half day Ganesha Visarjan. It is also one of the popular days to perform Ganesha Visarjan.”
Anant Chaturdashi is the most significant day for Visarjan, but it is also performed by many on the 3rd, 5th, or 7th day after Ganesha Chaturthi.
Significance of Anant Chaturdashi
Apart from Ganesha Visarjan, Anant Chaturdashi is a very significant day for worshipping Lord Vishnu in his Anant form. "Devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a day-long fast and tie a sacred thread during Puja. It is believed that the sacred thread protects devotees from all sorts of trouble," states Drik Panchang. The festival of Ganeshotsav, which begins on Ganesha Chaturthi, culminates on Anant Chaturdashi.
Visarjan Dates
- 1 and a Half Day: Sunday, 8th September 2024
- 3rd Day: Monday, 9th September 2024
- 5th Day: Wednesday, 11th September 2024
- 7th Day: Friday, 13th September 2024
- Anant Chaturdashi: Tuesday, 17th September 2024