Vinayagar Chaturthi usually falls in the Tamil month of Aavani (August-September) and is celebrated over 10 days in some regions. The festival begins with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes or public spaces, followed by daily prayers and offerings. Ganesha is worshipped for his ability to remove obstacles and bring peace and prosperity into the lives of his devotees. The final day of the festival, known as Anant Chaturdashi, involves immersing the Ganesha idols in water, symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution.
Story behind Vinayagar Chathurthi
According to the most popular legend, Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, created Ganesha out of the turmeric paste she used for her bath. She shaped him into a boy and breathed life into him, assigning him the duty of guarding the entrance to her quarters while she bathed.
When Lord Shiva, Parvati’s husband, returned home and found this unknown boy blocking his way, he became enraged. Not knowing that Ganesha was his son, Shiva demanded entry. Ganesha, following his mother’s instructions, refused to allow him in. In a fit of anger, Shiva beheaded Ganesha with his trident.
Ganesha’s Revival and the Elephant Head
When Parvati discovered what had happened, she was grief-stricken and demanded that her son be brought back to life. Realizing his mistake, Shiva promised to restore Ganesha’s life. He instructed his followers to bring the head of the first living creature they encountered. The first animal they found was an elephant, so they brought back its head.
Shiva placed the elephant’s head on Ganesha’s body, reviving him. From that moment on, all the gods blessed Ganesha and recognized him as the lord of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. They also declared him the first deity to be worshipped before starting any venture or ritual, ensuring success and prosperity.
This festival marks not just Ganesha’s birth but also the triumph of good over evil, wisdom over ignorance, and humility over pride.
Traditional Vinayagar Chaturthi Recipes
Food plays a significant role during Vinayagar Chaturthi, with devotees preparing a range of traditional dishes to offer as Neivedyam (offering).
Regional Variations in Celebrating Vinayagar Chaturthi
While the core elements of the festival remain the same, there are regional variations in the way Vinayagar Chaturthi is celebrated:
- In Tamil Nadu, the celebration is marked by Kozhukattai and Sundal as key offerings.
- In Maharashtra, the highlight is Ukadiche Modak, alongside traditional sweets like Puran Poli and Shrikhand.
- Karnataka celebrates the festival with Kayi Kadubu (steamed coconut-jaggery dumplings) and different varieties of Payasam.
Celebration in my family
In many households, the day before Vinayagar Chaturthi is filled with excitement and preparation. In our family, my father (appa) brings the Pillayar idol home, and it is my responsibility to decorate him with care. A sacred thread is placed on the idol, symbolizing purity and devotion.
Lord Ganesha accepts all kinds of flowers and leaves, which makes our tradition even more beautiful. We gather flowers and leaves from every tree and plant in our garden to adorn him. We craft a special garland made of erukku (Madar) flowers and Arugam pul (Bermuda grass), two of Ganesha’s favorites, to honor him.
The Festivities: Pooja, Neivedhyam, and Deeparathanai
The next day, we perform the pooja with devotion, offering various Neivedhyam dishes such as Modak, Kozhukattai, and Payasam to Lord Ganesha. The priest or devotee concludes the pooja with a Deeparathanai, circling a lit lamp around the deity to symbolize the removal of darkness and the spread of light.
Conclusion
Vinayagar Chaturthi is a festival that not only brings families together but also emphasizes devotion, gratitude, and sustainable practices. Whether you’re making Modak, Kozhukattai, or Payasam, each dish represents a unique offering filled with love and devotion to the elephant-headed god.
I am also attaching kolam and pillayar made with leaves by my Amma.
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Thank you !!
Beautiful kolam! Hope you had a wonderful Vinayagar Chathurthi celebration.
Thank you Megala… I ll convey the compliment to my Amma for kolam. Yes the festival went well. Hope you too had a grt celebration.
Nice and short description of the festival
Thank you so much 🙂