By Sudhir
The ten-day Ganeśa festival started across the globe yesterday (Friday 6th September) from Ganeśa Chaturthi day (4th day of Shukla Paksha of Bhādprada month i.e., waxing moon August/September).
Ganeśa Chaturthi, a vibrant and vivid Hindu festival, celebrates Bhagwān Ganeśa’s birthday. Bhagwān Ganeśa represents wisdom, prosperity, new beginnings, overcoming obstacles, and patron of learning.
This ten-day-long festival is marked by colourful processions and intricate statues and is a social and community event that brings together and promotes harmony
Freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak played a key role in transforming Bhagwan Ganeśa into a strong cultural and religious symbol of unity as part of the resistance against British rule. In 1892, Tilak reinvented Ganeśa Chaturthi, and changed it from an annual family celebration to a full-fledged public event.
Spiritually, it signifies the removal of obstacles in one’s life, fostering inner growth and self-awareness. Devotees believe that invoking Ganeśa ‘s blessings before starting any new venture brings success and removes difficulties. The immersion of Ganeśa idols at the festival’s conclusion symbolizes the cycle of creation and dissolution, reminding devotees of life’s impermanence and the importance of spiritual detachment.
What does Moryā signify in “Gaṇapati Bappā Moryā”?
Moryā Gosāvi, a 14th-century saint, born in Śāligrām, settled in Pimpri-Chinchwad (Pune), was a great devotee of Ganeśa. He attained siddhis (special power & knowledge). Pleased with his devotion and penance, it is said, that Ganeśa appeared in his dream and gave him a boon. Moryā refused any material wealth and asked that his name be forever connected with the Bhagwān.
