Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7. This significant Hindu festival is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. It marks his birth and is observed with devotion across India.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Date and Puja Timings
Date: Saturday, September 7
Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat: 11:03 AM to 01:34 PM
Puja Duration: 2 hours 31 minutes
Ganesha Visarjan: Tuesday, September 17
The Madhyahna period, between 11:03 AM and 1:34 PM, is considered the most auspicious time to perform the Ganesha Puja. Devotees are advised to conduct the rituals during this time to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
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Fasting Rules for Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Types of Fasting:
- Nirjal (Waterless) Fasting: This strict fast involves abstaining from both food and water for the entire day.
- Phalahar (Fruit) Fasting: In this type, fruits, nuts, and dairy products like milk and yoghurt can be consumed.
- Satvik Fasting: This involves eating simple, vegetarian foods such as sabudana (tapioca pearls), fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Fasting during Ganesh Chaturthi is a common practice for devotees, and there are various ways to observe the fast, depending on one's beliefs and physical capacity. Here are the main guidelines:
- Fasting Duration: Decide the duration of your fast based on personal preference and health. You can fast for the entire day or limit it to certain hours or meals.
- Maintain Purity: During the fast, both physical and mental purity should be maintained. Refrain from negative thoughts and gossip. Engage in spiritual practices like prayer and mantra chanting.
- Non-Vegetarian Food: Non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited during Ganesh Chaturthi fasting.
- Avoid Onion and Garlic: Many devotees avoid onion and garlic in their meals during the fast, as these are considered tamasic foods that hinder spiritual growth.
- Simple Meals: Fasting meals should be prepared with minimal spices and oil. The food should be light and easy to digest.
- Salt Usage: Common salt is usually avoided during fasting. Rock salt (sendha namak) is used instead, as it is considered pure for fasting purposes.
- Hydration: If observing a waterless fast, make sure to hydrate before and after the fasting period by drinking plenty of water.
Food Rules During Ganesh Chaturthi
Once Lord Ganesha is placed at home (Ganpati Sthapana), there are specific food rules devotees must follow:
- Offer the First Meal to Lord Ganesha: The first serving of food prepared should be offered to Lord Ganesha, and it must be satvik, prepared with devotion and respect.
- Avoid Alcohol: Non-vegetarian food, eggs, alcohol, tobacco, and other intoxicants should be completely avoided during the 10 days of the festival.
- Offer Modak and Laddoo: Modak and laddoos are considered the favourite sweets of Lord Ganesha, and devotees offer different varieties during the festival.
- Savoury Food: Those observing the fast should avoid consuming savoury food before offering prayers and aarti to Lord Ganesha each morning until the visarjan.
- Bhog and Aarti: Bhog and aarti should be offered to Lord Ganesha twice a day during the festival to seek his blessings and prosperity.
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