Ganesha Chaturthi 2017: Tithi, Vidhi and Puja Timings

Mumbai: It’s that time of the year again when Lord Ganesha visits our homes to bless us with his divine powers. And as he arrives on his date of birth, we gear up to welcome him with much love and enthusiasm. Ganesha Chaturthi is just around the corner and devotees are already relishing the festive spirit.

Ganesha Chaturthi is actually the celebration of the birth of Lord Ganapati on the fourth day during the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month according to the Hindu calendar. This date coincides with a day either in the English month of August or September.

The festival, often referred to as Ganeshotsav is spread over 10 days in the state of Maharashtra. A number of Pandals are set up to house idols of the mighty God and devotees visit these temporary temples in large numbers to pay their respects.

However, not just the states of Maharashtra, other regions in the country too celebrate this joyous festival. Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated at homes in the state of Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala too.

Devotees in different parts of the country too offer their prayers by conducting a Puja at their homes.

Here’s taking a look at the Ganesha Chaturthi 2017 Tithi:

According to Drikpanchang, the Tithi begins at 20:27 PM August 24 and end at 20:31 PM on August 25.

Ganesha Chaturthi 2017 Timings:

It is believed that Lord Ganesha was born during the Madhyana period (noon) and hence, the recommended Puja timing is in the afternoon.

According to Drikpanchang, you can conduct the Puja between 11:25 AM to 13:55 PM on August 25.

Simple Ganesha Puja Vidhi:

Click here to read about the elaborate Puja Vidhi

• Take a small wooden platform.
• Cover it with a red cloth.
• Now carefully and respectfully place the idol of Lord Ganesha on the wooden platform.
• Light a lamp and incense sticks.
• Then invoke Lord Ganesha in the idol by inviting him to accept your hunble offerings.
• If the idol is made of Pancha dhatu (a mixture of five metals) then, do abhishek with Panchamrit (made of banana/fruits, milk, curd, ghee and sugar/honey).
• Then, use water to rinse the idol and wipe with a fresh piece of cotton cloth.
• Offer mouli (sacred read thread) or a small piece of new cloth (preferably yellow) to the deity. Then put a Janeyu around his torso (make sure it rests on his left shoulder and diagonally goes around his body under the right shoulder. Later add a tika with haldi and kumkum on his forehead.
• Offer red hibiscus or any other flower and Dhruva (special green grass).
• Chant the Ganesha Moola Mantra and then offer Modaka, fresh fruits (Guava, Pomegranate, Orange, Apple and Pear), Bananas, Coconut, Paan and Supari to the Lord.
• Worship him with folded hands and closed eyes.
• Sing the Ganesha Aarti to conclude the Puja.