Ganesh Chaturthi being celebrated today (photos)
Scriptures mention that Ganesha was born on this day as the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
KATHMANDU: Today Saturday, Sanatan Dharma followers are celebrating the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, according to the Hindu calendar.
Scriptures mention that Ganesha was born on this day as the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles, also known as Vighnaharta. In Hinduism, he is always worshipped first in any religious ritual or ceremony.
It is believed that if Ganesha is not remembered before starting a task, obstacles will arise in its completion.
In Sanatan society, the phrase “Shree Ganesh Gareko” is commonly used when starting a new venture or task, symbolizing a good beginning. Due to his large belly, Ganesha is also called Lambodar; because of his elephant-shaped face, he is known as Gajanan; as the remover of obstacles, he is called Vighnanasak. He is also referred to as Ganapati, Surapriya (beloved of all gods), and Vinayak.
According to ancient scriptures, Ganesha, unlike other deities born in human form, was decapitated by his father Shiva, who did not recognize him at the time. Later, Ganesha’s head was replaced with that of an elephant. Another story suggests that his head disappeared after the god Shani (Saturn) cast his gaze upon him right after his birth, resulting in the elephant head replacement.
Temples dedicated to Ganesha in Kathmandu Valley, including Surya Vinayak, Chandra Vinayak, Jal Vinayak, Charu Vinayak, Ashok Vinayak, Maru Vinayak, and Kamal Vinayak, saw a large number of devotees from early morning.
There is a tradition on Bhadra Shukla Chaturthi to avoid gazing at the moon. It is believed that looking at the moon on this day leads to accusations of theft. This year, however, the Chaturthi moon appeared on Friday.
The Chaturthi date began on Friday afternoon, and the auspicious period will continue until Saturday, 2:05 PM, according to the Panchang (Hindu calendar).
As per the scriptures, Lord Ganesha himself cursed the moon, forbidding its sight on this day. Ganesh Chaturthi is joyfully celebrated in Nepal and India, with grand processions and Rath Yatras (chariot processions) dedicated to Ganesha.
In the Newar community, this day is known as Chatha. In the Terai and Madhesh regions, it is celebrated as Chauth Chand, a festival of great significance.
On this occasion, there is a popular folk tradition among children in villages to “steal” cucumbers, fruits, and vegetables in the evening.
