Over the course of several decades, Ganesh Chaturti or Vinayaka Chaturti is one of the most colorful and widely celebrated festival in India. Along with the grand processions that takes places on the streets of our cities, Ganesh Chaturti is observed by millions of Hindu devotees in their respective homes as well. Below is a brief description on how to perform the ritual in the right manner to invoke the blessings of God Ganesh – the destroyer of obstacles.

PUJA REQUIREMENT

In order to conduct their ritual, some of the essential items that define it are as follows…

Red flowers
Druva glass blades
Modak
Sandalwood paste
Incense
Coconuts
Aggarbattis
The newly bought Ganesh Idol

PUJA PROCEDURE

The auspicious ritual of Ganesh Chaturti puja begins with cleaning the whole house before the idol of Ganesh is brought home. Once the clay idol of God Ganesh is brought home, it is placed on a raised and clean platform. One of the main and customary practice during the initiation of the puja is the ‘Pran-Pratishta’, which refers to infusing life into the idol. A special mantra is chanted by the performer to invoke the god into the murti.

The Pran-Prathista sloka can be found in the Rig Veda as is an integral part of the Ganesh Suktha. Following the Pran-Prathista sloka is the aarti and the lighting of lamps and aggarbattis. If the puja organized at home is performed by a priest, you have the opportunity to request him to conduct the Shadashopachara, which are 16 forms of paying tribute to Ganesh. Once this is completed, God Ganesh should be offered 21 blades of Druva grass, 21 Modakas and some red flowers.

Following the offerings, the red sandalwood tilak is placed on the murti’s forehead. After this, its time to break the coconut placed in front of the murti. It is highly advised that during the ritual, one should read the Ganesha Upanishad. Simply follow these steps and pray—the rest Bappa will do. The more you worship with open mind and sanctimonious thoughts—the more God Ganesha will bestow you with wisdom, health and prosperity.

Fold your hands and close your eyes, as Ganesha is listening!

The Ganesha Mantra: Learn and chant this mantra during the course of the puja