GANPATI BAPPA MORYA : BRINGING IN JOY AND KINDNESS 

By Anshika Khera  

Ganesh Chaturthi is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. It usually falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August or September) and lasts for 10 days. The festival begins with the installation of beautifully crafted idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and public pandals (temporary stages). Devotees perform prayers, sing bhajans, and offer sweets, especially modaks, which are considered Ganesha’s favorite.

Ganesh Chaturthi holds great cultural and spiritual significance. People believe that worshipping Lord Ganesha removes obstacles and brings success in life. The celebration also promotes unity, as communities come together to organize grand processions, cultural programs, and social activities. During these days, the air is filled with devotion, music, and joy.

On the final day, known as Anant Chaturdashi, idols are taken in large processions and immersed in rivers, lakes, or the sea, symbolizing Lord Ganesha’s return to Mount Kailash. The immersion is accompanied by chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” (O Lord Ganesha, come back soon next year). Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival of faith, but also a celebration of togetherness, hope, and positivity.