Lord Ganesha, also known as Ganpati, is one of the most widely worshiped deities in Hinduism. He is revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the god of beginnings and wisdom. Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Ganpati Puja, is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India and by Hindu communities worldwide. Here’s a short note on Lord Ganesha and Ganpati Puja:
Lord Ganesha:
Appearance: Lord Ganesha is often depicted with the head of an elephant and a portly human body.
Symbolism: He symbolizes wisdom, intellect, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Attributes: Ganesha is typically shown holding various objects, including a broken tusk, a modak (sweet delicacy), and an axe, among others.
Vahana (Vehicle): His vahana is a mouse, representing the need to control one’s desires.
Ganpati Puja (Ganesh Chaturthi):
Festival: Ganpati Puja is an annual Hindu festival celebrated to honor Lord Ganesha. It usually falls in the months of August or September.
Duration: The festival lasts for 10 days, with the grandest celebrations occurring on the last day.
Ganpati Idol: Devotees install clay idols of Lord Ganesha in their homes or public pandals (temporary structures).
Rituals: The festival involves elaborate rituals, including the chanting of mantras, offering of sweets, flowers, and coconuts, and lighting of oil lamps.
Visarjan: On the final day, a procession is held to immerse the Ganesha idols in water, symbolizing the departure of the deity to his celestial abode.
Community Celebration: Ganpati Puja is a time of community gatherings, cultural performances, and feasting. It fosters a sense of unity and devotion among people.
Ganpati Puja is not only a religious observance but also a cultural celebration that brings communities together to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings for success, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles in their endeavors. It promotes the values of humility, intellect, and the ability to face challenges with grace.
Here’s five books you can read and make kids to learn more about ganesha:
Four year olds will enjoy Kubera’s party as they see little Ganesha eat his way through all the food, the plates and even the palace, to finally humble the pride and arrogance of Kubera.
Elephant Prince: The Story of Ganesh
Elephant-headed and big-bellied, mischievous and sweet, the god Ganesh is one of the most familiar faces in the world. But why does he have the head of an elephant? Set in the Himalayas in a time of gods and goddesses, Elephant Prince tells the story of a remarkable bond between a mother and her son, a remorseful god, a generous elephant and the boy who became Ganesh. Belgin K. Wedman’s jewel-toned illustrations, reminiscent of classical Indian miniatures, complement this poetic story of one of the most beloved gods of all.
In the game of cricket, having scored 99 runs, when a batsman stands poised on the threshold of that much coveted century, he experiences the moment that is best associated with Ganesha. Fear and uncertainty envelope him, between him and his achievement stand hurdles, both real and imaginary, a possible spin from the bowler can overwhelm him, his own anxiety can paralyze him, cheering fans can distract him. He needs divine intervention then. He needs to focus, get rid of all hurdles, perform, get the final run and achieve what he so longs for. In other words, he needs to think of Ganapati. This book brings together 99 meditations to better understand the stories, symbols and rituals of that ador-able elephant-headed Hindu god who removes hurdles and brings prosperity and peace. Known variously as Ganapati, Gajanana, Vinayaka or Pillayar, he can help all of us score a century in the game called life.
The story of the adventures of Ganesha enchants both kids and adults alike. This beautifully illustrated book introduces the little ones to Ganesha, the elephant-headed God and one of the most endearing God in Indian mythology. The magical combination of vibrant illustrations, simple language and age-appropriate content makes this book fun and engaging for children to read. The book is rich with wisdom, knowledge and is highly enjoyable for the young readers.