Ganesha Puja

During the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, individuals rise early, indulge in a refreshing bath, and attire themselves in new garments. Subsequently, they meticulously prepare samagris to engage in the worship of Lord Ganesha, opting for idols crafted from gold, silver, copper, or clay. The predominant method of veneration is the Shodashopchar, a ritual involving sixteen steps to pay homage to the revered deity.
Following the worship, Brahmins are extended Dakshina, offering it to the Moon with a lowered gaze. A distinctive custom within this puja is the presentation of 21 laddus to Lord Ganpati, with the belief that gazing at the moon on these days should be avoided. Devotees of Hinduism ardently organize four traditional ceremonies during Ganesh Chaturthi to joyfully welcome Lord Ganesha, the second son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, to the earthly realm. These rituals encompass the initial Pranapratishhtha, where the image of Lord Ganesha is infused into an idol. Subsequently, the Shhodashopachara observance entails 16 ways to pay homage to Lord Ganesha. Uttarpuja involves a conventional puja, followed by the ceremonial shifting of the newly crafted idol after its infusion. The final and poignant ritual, Ganpati Visarjan, entails the immersion of the Ganesha murti (idol) in the nearby river, pond, or sea, symbolizing the departure of the divine presence.
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