Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Dos and don'ts to follow while bringing ...
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most energetic and enthusiastic festivals in India. It is filled with love, devotion, chanting, prayers, dhol, music, dance, and so much more. It is dedicated to
Lord Ganesha
, the son of Mata Parvati and Lord Shiva, and is the deity who makes sure that no obstacles and hurdles come in the way of his children, his devotees. During the 10 days between Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh
Visarjan
, homes, temples, and Pandals are filled with love and devotion as
devotees
sing and dance for Bappa and pray for happiness and success.
And so, before you bring Bappa to your home, here we mention a few
dos and don'ts
of welcoming Ganpati into your home and your hearts.
Choosing the idol
What to do - When selecting an
idol
of Lord Ganesha, don't look for how tall it is or how small it is or how does it compare to the one that your XYZ neighbour brought last year. It is an unnecessary comparison and not in the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi.
For home, try to buy a small idol made of clay and other eco-friendly items that will dissolve easily during the Visarjan.Also, when buying the idol, make sure there are no cracks, cuts, damage, or chips on the idol. What to not do - Try your best to not buy an idol of Bappa which is made with Plaster of Paris. Although it is cheap and economical in some cases, it has an alarming amount of chemicals that can cause water pollution later.
See More:Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Best Messages, Quotes, Wishes and Images to share on Vinayaka Chaturthi
Bringing Bappa home
What to do - When you are bringing Bappa home, make sure to check with the Pandit ji what is the right time and muhurat to bring him home and do the ‘sthapna’. When you bring him home and step inside, chant mantras dedicated to Lord Ganesha, or simply say ‘
Ganpati Bappa
Morya’.What to not do - DO NOT place the idol on the floor at any time. Do not think ‘Let's just keep the idol here for now and once we set up the table we will place him there’. Before you leave home, set up the table, arrange it nicely, add flowers, sweets, incense and other things and directly place Bappa on a table or makeshift pandal.Read more: Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Images, Wishes, Messages, Quotes, Pictures and Greeting Cards
Setting up the Pandal
What to do - When you bring the idol home, it is best to place him in the living room or near the puja room so that all the family members, neighbours, and relatives can come together to see Bappa and you can pray together. Plus, make sure that the flowers are fresh, incense is lit, there is no shortage of Modak and sweets, and Bappa is not being disturbed often. What not to do - DO NOT place Bappa in the kitchen, near shoe racks, around the washrooms, or near any place where garbage is accumulated.
Daily worship
What to do - Once you bring Bappa home on September 7, he will be there till September 17. So, in between this time, don’t skip your daily puja rituals and worship. Every day, wake up early, take a bath, wear clean clothes, and before eating anything offer Ganpati Bappa fresh flowers, light a diya in front, chant a few mantras, and offer him Modak. What to not do - Make sure that the area where Bappa has been placed is uncluttered at all times. Don’t eat food in front of the idol, or near the idol, and don’t offer people any Prasad before touching some to Lord Ganesha’s mouth and hands.Read more: Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Quotes to share with friends, family and colleaguesRead more: 75+ Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Messages, Greetings, Wishes and Quotes for 2024
Fasting during Ganpati
What to do - Some devotees choose to fast and abstain from food on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi and the day of Visarjan. Whereas others prefer having a Sattvik diet throughout the 10 days when Lord Ganesha has been placed inside the home. What to not do - Do not eat non-vegetarian food inside or outside the home if you have welcomed Ganpati into your home. Also, do not engage in fights, try not to think negatively, don’t harbour feelings of displeasure in any way, and above all, don't disrespect Bappa. See More:When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2024? Date, History, Significance and Celebrations of Vinayaka Chaturthi Festival
The day of Visarjan
What to do - When the 10 days of Ganesh Chaturthi are over, Bappa has been with you throughout and showered his blessings on your home. And now, it is time for Vosarjan. During Visarjan, make sure that you do not in any way harm the idol of Lord Ganesha. Carefully take him out of the house, sing, dance, chant ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhachya Varshi Lavkar Ya’ and enjoy as you happily say bye to Lord Ganesha and start getting ready to welcome him again next year. What to not do - Do not throw the idol into the water, do not push the idol into the sea, do not try to break the idol into pieces thinking that it will dissolve better in water that way. Remember that it is Lord Ganesha, and he should be ‘immersed’ in water, not thrown in water.Plus, while it will be emotional to see Bappa go after 10 days of being around him all the while, don't be too sad or feel negative. Remember, Lord Ganesha will come back next year, with happiness, love, energy, and devotion.
