Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and prosperity.
The festival lasts 10 days, ending with Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi.
Madhyahna (midday) is the most auspicious time for Ganapati Puja.
Sighting the moon on this day causes Mithya Dosha, a curse of false accusation.
Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat is from 11:11 AM to 01:45 PM.
Details
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and remover of obstacles. This major Hindu festival falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month, which usually falls in August or September in the Gregorian calendar. It marks the beginning of a ten-day celebration known as Ganeshotsav, culminating in the grand Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi, when idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in water bodies amidst huge processions and devotional music.
The most auspicious time for Ganapati Sthapana (installation) and Ganapati Puja on this day is during Madhyahna, which corresponds to midday as per Hindu division of time. According to Vedic tradition, the day is divided into five parts: Pratahkala, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna, and Sayankal. Since Lord Ganesha is believed to have been born during Madhyahna Kala, this period is considered most sacred for performing Shodashopachara Puja, a 16-step ritual worship of Lord Ganesha. Devotees chant mantras, offer modaks, durva grass, and conduct aarti with great devotion.
An important aspect of Ganesh Chaturthi is the prohibition on moon sighting. According to Puranic legends, viewing the moon on this day can lead to Mithya Dosha (false accusation). Lord Krishna once faced this curse and was wrongly accused of theft. Sage Narada explained it was due to sighting the moon on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. To nullify the dosha, devotees recite a specific mantra. This legend highlights the deep-rooted cultural beliefs tied to Ganesh Chaturthi and emphasizes the spiritual discipline expected during the festival.
