Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Puja Vidhi, Vrat, Date, Time, History, and Significance
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, dedicated to Lord Ganesha—the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India and by Hindus worldwide. The festival typically lasts for ten days, beginning with the installation (Sthapana) of Lord Ganesha’s idol and concluding with the Visarjan (immersion) of the idol in a water body. Here’s everything you need to know about the date, time, puja vidhi, and significance of Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Date and Time
Date: Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024 will be observed on Friday, 6 September 3:01 pm to Sat 7 September 5:37 pm
Sthapana Muhurat (Auspicious Time for Installation):
The auspicious time for the Sthapana of Lord Ganesha’s idol will begin on the morning of September 6. The most favorable time is during the Madhyahna period, which is considered the most appropriate time to perform the Ganesh Puja. The Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat will start at [insert specific time based on your location] and last for approximately two hours.

Visarjan (Immersion) Date:
The immersion of Lord Ganesha’s idol, also known as Ganesh Visarjan, will take place on Tuesday September 17, 2024. The Visarjan usually occurs on the tenth day, also known as Anant Chaturdashi.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Vidhi
Performing the Ganesh Chaturthi Puja with devotion and proper rituals is believed to bring prosperity and remove obstacles from one’s life. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Vidhi:
1. Purification: Begin by cleaning the house and the area where the idol will be placed. Sprinkle Ganga Jal (holy water) to purify the space.
2. Sthapana of Ganesha Idol: Place the idol of Lord Ganesha on a raised platform, preferably on a clean and decorated cloth. The idol should face east or west.
3. Pran Pratishtha: Invoke Lord Ganesha into the idol by chanting mantras and performing the Pran Pratishtha ritual, which involves offering flowers, rice, and holy water.
4. Shodashopachara Puja: This is a 16-step ritual to honor Lord Ganesha. It includes:
– **Avahanam (Invocation):** Inviting Lord Ganesha into the idol.
– **Asanam:** Offering a seat to Lord Ganesha.
– **Padya:** Washing the feet of the deity.
– **Arghya:** Offering water to the deity.
– **Achamaniyam:** Offering water for drinking.
– **Snanam:** Bathing the idol with Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee).
– **Vastra:** Offering new clothes to the deity.
– **Yajnopavita:** Offering the sacred thread.
– **Gandha:** Applying sandalwood paste.
– **Pushpa:** Offering flowers.
– **Dhoop:** Waving incense sticks.
– **Deep:** Waving a lit lamp.
– **Naivedya:** Offering food (usually Modaks) to the deity.
– **Tambulam:** Offering betel leaves and nuts.
– **Karpoor:** Waving camphor.
– **Mantra Pushpanjali:** Offering flowers while chanting prayers.
5. Aarti: Conclude the puja with the Aarti, singing devotional songs in praise of Lord Ganesha.
6. Prasad Distribution: Offer the prasad to family members and visitors, symbolizing the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat
Many devotees observe a fast (vrat) on Ganesh Chaturthi to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. The vrat can be a full-day fast, where only fruits, water, and milk are consumed, or a partial fast, where only satvik (pure) food is eaten. The fast is broken after performing the evening aarti.
History and Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi has a rich history and deep significance in Hindu culture:
–Mythological Background: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati, who made him from the dirt of her body and breathed life into him. Ganesha was assigned to guard her while she bathed. However, when Lord Shiva, Parvati’s husband, returned home and was stopped by Ganesha, he became enraged and beheaded him. Seeing Parvati’s grief, Shiva promised to bring Ganesha back to life by placing an elephant’s head on his body. Thus, Ganesha was born and became one of the most worshipped deities in Hinduism.
– Historical Significance: The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi gained prominence during the reign of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who promoted the festival to inspire nationalist sentiment among his people. In the 19th century, Lokmanya Tilak transformed Ganesh Chaturthi from a private family event into a grand public celebration to unite Indians against British colonial rule.
– Cultural Importance:Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a religious festival but a cultural phenomenon that brings communities together. It symbolizes the removal of obstacles (Vighnaharta) and the beginning of new ventures with the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024 is an opportunity for devotees to immerse themselves in devotion, seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha for wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Whether you are performing the rituals at home or participating in community celebrations, this festival serves as a reminder of the cultural and spiritual richness of Hindu traditions. May Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from your path and bring joy and prosperity to your life.
Ganpati Bappa Morya!