Ganesh Chaturthi

The birthday of the Hindu god Ganesh is known as Ganesh Chaturthi and is celebrated on August 23 this year. Ganesh, the elephant- headed god is not only the god of wisdom and success but also the Remover of Obstacles. He has the head of an elephant and is plump with a prominent pot belly! Many Hindu homes, shops and temples have an image of Ganesh over the main doorway to ward off any evil. His blessings are invoked before beginning anything important such as starting a business venture, getting married, constructing a house and even before embarking on a long journey. Even other gods worship Ganesh before a new beginning.

Beautiful clay images of Ganesh are made for worship on Ganesh Chaturthi. After prayers and offerings have been made to the clay image, it is taken in procession to the sea or river for immersion. Special sweets like laddu and steamed rice dumplings stuffed with jaggery and coconut known in Tamil Nadu as ‘Kollakotai” are made for the occasion.

Ganesh is also called Ganesha or Ganapathi. As Remover of obstacles (vighna) he is called Vighnesa, Vighneshwara, Vighnaraja and Vinayaka(leader).
All Hindu Gods have a vehicle and Ganesh rides a mouse. He is man, elephant and mouse in one and has a solution for every problem.

There are many stories about Ganesh and how he came to be. The most widespread story goes like this… ..
Goddess Parvati wanted a follower who would be loyal to her above all else. So she created a beautiful son and told him to stop anyone from entering her chambers. When lord Shiva, Parvati’s husband was stopped by this boy Shiva was furious and chopped off his head! Parvati appeared when she heard the shrieks and was in tears as she told Shiva that the victim was her son and he must restore his life immediately. The first passing animal was an elephant and Shiva used the elephant head to restore life to the boy. He also promised Parvati that the child would be the lord of the followers and be worshipped by all the gods.