Lord Ganesha is also popular as Ganpati. He is one of the most worshipped gods of Hindu Mythology. There are many other features by which one can identify Ganesha but it is the elephant’s head of Ganesha which makes him easy to identify. According to Hindu culture, he is praised to remove obstacles in life of his devotees. This is the reason he is known as the lord of beginnings. Apart from this, there are a number of stories in the epics of Hindu Mythology which describes his wisdom and intellect. Lord Ganesha is son of goddess Parvati and Shiva.
Ganesha Mahotsava or Ganesha Chaturthi is a famous festival of Maharashtra and Hindu. It is celebrated because it is believed that he showers his blessings on all his followers during this time. He was declared superior to all the lords by his father, Lord Shiva. Ganesha is praised as God of good fortune, wisdom and prosperity. The month of Bhaadrapada or time between 19 August and 20 September is believed to be the auspicious occasion for this grand festival. Although, this festival is celebrated all over the country and in some other countries also but in Maharashtra it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.
The temples are visited by thousands of devotees to praise and pray to Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra. Apart from this, around 10000 Ganesh’s statues are exhibited at different locations in this state. Large beautifully crafted figures of Lord Ganesh are installed in podiums and homes. These statues are beautifully decorated by the devotees and priests. On the day of Ananta Chaturdasi which is the last day, devotees accompany and do parade with the statues, singing and dancing and then these statues are immersed in different water bodies.
The display of enthusiasm, joy and devotion of people of Maharashtra is great to watch during this auspicious occasion. If you also witness the same, then the best option is to make early booking and book your flights well in time in order to get good prices on air tickets. So get ready for next Ganesha Mahotsava.
