The birthday of lord Ganesha is approaching! It is believed that the God of wisdom, Ganesha, with his mother Parvati arrives on Earth on his birthday to shower blessings on his devotees. His birthday is a much-awaited 10-day festival known as Ganesh Chaturthi which is falling this year on September 19, 2023.
Shubh Muhurt
As per astrologers, the auspicious muhurt to bring lord Ganesha home and welcome him will start at 12:39 pm on September 18 and end at 01:43 pm on September 19. While for the pooja muhurt will start from 11:01 a.m. to 01:28 p.m. on September 19, 2023.
Things you MUST avoid
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival celebrated with pomp and show across India. While all the devotees do prayers and follow rituals religiously, a few mistakes of theirs sometimes bring negative effects and should be avoided in the auspicious festival.
Garlic and onion: After Ganpati Sthapana, garlic and onion should be avoided in cooking at home. This is not just for prasad but for regular consumption at home too.
Guest should be a priority: The way we host our guests, we should be hosting lord Ganesha after he is home. Everything made or brought home, whether it is food, water, bhog, or prasad, should be offered to him first and then to the family.
Tithi and muhurt: Perform all the rituals only during the auspicious time, don’t do sthapana or visarjan (immersion) any time speculating that all time is auspicious during this 10-day festival.
Avoid meat and drinks: It goes without saying that one must avoid consuming nonveg food and alcohol after Ganesh sthapana at home. Bringing him home is a pious ritual and hence all satvik lifestyle.
Attendee for the lord, always: After lord Ganesha arrives home, he shouldn’t be left alone anytime. There should always be at least one person to attend him.
Keep the doors open: When lord Ganesha arrives or when you take him for visarjan, on both occasions the main doors of the house should be kept wide open. Closed or ajar doors bring hindrances and negative effects.
Observe celibacy: While lord Ganesha is home, avoid any negative or explicit thoughts and observe celibacy during the period.
Welcome lord Ganesha with all love and devotion to seek his blessings. Ganpati bappa morya!
