Swati Gupta
Anant Chaturdashi 2024: When and How to Perform Ganesh Visarjan | Kaushik ji Maharaj
Ganesh Visarjan, the symbolic farewell to Lord Ganesha, marks the conclusion of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival. It is observed on Anant Chaturdashi, a significant day in Hindu tradition. In 2024, the dates for Anant Chaturdashi and Ganesh Visarjan have led to some confusion, with people celebrating on either the 16th or the 17th of September. Let’s clear up the details and explore the importance of these dates.
Understanding Anant Chaturdashi
Anant Chaturdashi, the day of Ganesh Visarjan, holds immense spiritual significance in Hindu culture. On this day, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his Anant (infinite) form. Devotees pray for protection and blessings, asking the infinite energy of the universe to guide them through life. Alongside these prayers, Ganesh Visarjan takes place, symbolizing the immersion of Ganesha back into nature, with promises to invite him back the next year.
Confusion Around the 2024 Date
In 2024, the tithi (Hindu lunar day) of Anant Chaturdashi spans from the evening of September 16th to the morning of September 17th. Traditionally, the immersion of Lord Ganesha should take place before the Anant Chaturdashi ends, which is why there’s been debate over whether the Visarjan should happen on the 16th or 17th of September.
- Anant Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins on the 16th of September and ends at 10:04 AM on the 17th of September.
- Pitru Paksha: Begins after Anant Chaturdashi on the 17th of September, starting after 10:04 AM.
Since Pitru Paksha is a period dedicated to ancestors, conducting auspicious activities like Ganesh Visarjan after its onset is considered inauspicious. Hence, devotees are encouraged to perform Ganesh Visarjan either on the 16th of September or before 10:04 AM on the 17th.
Best Muhurat for Ganesh Visarjan 2024
For those planning to perform the Visarjan on the 16th, there is a highly auspicious time:
- Auspicious Time on 16th September: 3:01 PM to 5:04 PM
This afternoon window is considered ideal for Visarjan, offering a peaceful and spiritual conclusion to the festivities.
For those unable to perform Visarjan on the 16th, the window on the 17th is limited to the early morning:
- Visarjan on 17th September: Must be completed before 10:04 AM, as after this time, Pitru Paksha begins.
Rituals and Practices for Ganesh Visarjan
Before Lord Ganesha’s idol is taken for immersion, a special prayer is performed, thanking him for his presence and blessings over the past 10 days. This is a heartfelt moment for devotees, as they symbolically bid farewell to the deity who has been a part of their household or community for the duration of the festival.
- Final Aarti: The Ganesh Aarti is performed to honor Lord Ganesha one last time before immersion. Devotees seek forgiveness for any errors in their prayers and ask for continued blessings for the coming year.
- Immersion Procession: With music, chants, and joyful devotion, the idol is taken to a water body for immersion. As the idol is immersed, devotees chant, “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya,” meaning “O Lord Ganesha, return early next year.”
- Prayers for a Prosperous Year: Devotees express gratitude and pray for the well-being of their family, the fulfillment of desires, and the removal of obstacles in their lives.
The Importance of Immersion
The immersion of Lord Ganesha into water signifies the cycle of creation and dissolution. Ganesha’s idol is traditionally made from clay, representing the elements of nature, and immersing it in water allows the earth to reclaim its elements. This process reminds devotees of life’s impermanence and the importance of renewal.
Moreover, this practice symbolizes Ganesha’s return to Mount Kailash, where he resides with his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, after the festivities conclude.
Anant Chaturdashi and Vishnu Worship
While Ganesh Visarjan is widely observed on Anant Chaturdashi, the day also holds importance for Lord Vishnu’s devotees. Special prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu in his infinite form, asking for strength, protection, and guidance. The festival’s name, “Anant,” meaning infinite, represents the boundless energy of the universe and the endless blessings bestowed by the divine.
Rishu
