Ganesh Chaturthi, the vibrant 11-day festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, will commence on September 7, 2024, and conclude on September 17, 2024. Throughout this festive period, devotees honor Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings and wisdom. Here’s a guide to the 11 days and the traditional bhogs offered each day:
Modak, Lord Ganesha's favorite sweet, symbolizes the joy and happiness he brings to our lives.
Durva represents the humble beginnings of Lord Ganesha, while fruits signify abundance and prosperity.
Coconuts embody the hard outer shell and soft inner core, reflecting Lord Ganesha's strength and kindness. Sweets represent the sweetness of life.
Red flowers signify the passion and energy of Lord Ganesha, while ghee represents purity and clarity.
Honey, a natural sweetener, represents the sweetness of life, while milk symbolizes nourishment and growth.
Sugarcane, a symbol of hard work and dedication, is paired with jaggery, representing the sweetness of success.
An array of fresh seasonal fruits are offered to Ganpati during the celebrations, but his love for bananas surpasses them all. This is why people offer garlands of bananas to Lord Ganesha. Banana leaves also represent the simplicity and humility of his nature.
The wood apple fruit represents the removal of obstacles, while its leaves signify the triumph of good over evil.
Tender coconuts embody the youthfulness of Lord Ganesha, while Panchamrit represents the five elements and the harmony of nature.
Aromatic herbs and spices, like cardamom and cloves, symbolize the fragrance and beauty of life, which Lord Ganesha brings to our world.
The final day marks the immersion of Lord Ganesha's idol, accompanied by a variety of offerings, signifying the cycle of life and the eternal presence of the divine.
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