Ganesh Chaturthi is the joyous celebration of the birthday of the King of Gods in Maharashtra, Lord Ganesha or Ganapati.
The puja which is first conducted as soon as the Ganapati idol is brought home is known as the Eka Vimshathi Puja. For this puja, 21 Ganesh patris are offered, but since it is difficult to source them, generally bilva leaves and durva are offered as these 2 are easily available.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Offerings
Other offerings include: Kewra (lotus), red sandalwood, white lilies.
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| Various offerings placed in front of the Ganesha idol (note the thali-lunch which is first offered to Lord Ganesha before the meal is eaten by the family members) |
The puja which is first conducted as soon as the Ganapati idol is brought home is known as the Eka Vimshathi Puja. For this puja, 21 Ganesh patris are offered, but since it is difficult to source them, generally bilva leaves and durva are offered as these 2 are easily available.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Offerings
Modaks: These are Lord Ganesha's favourite food. A modak is made from rice flour and ground coconut and shaped to form the modak. Over the years, this natural modak has taken on various stuffings – dry fruits, fig, almonds, etc. Some modaks are also sweetened with jaggery stuffing at the center. 21 modaks are generally placed before the Ganapati idol.
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| Modaks |
Durva: This is stalks of green grass, which is considered sacred and used during all types of pujas and forms of worship. It should be such that the durva has 3 leaflets, representing the principles of Ganesha, Shiva, and Shakti. The minimum number of durva offered during Ganesh Chaturthi puja is 21. It is dipped in water and then offered to Lord Ganesha, beginning with the feet of the idol. Generally, each part of the idol (except the face) is touched with the durva, with the chanting of one of the 108 names of Lord Ganesha. This entire ritual is known as durvachan.
Symbolism/Significance of Durva: It is believed that the durva grass helps to enhance the memory and Lord Ganesha is the God of Knowledge (vidya) so is one of His favourite offerings.
{Note: In case you are unable to get durva as an offering, you can offer akshata (unbroken rice grains) with kumkum on it}
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| Durva |
Ladoos: In addition to modaks, you can place ladoos in front of the Ganapati idol. The number of ladoos should be an odd number – 3, 5, 7, etc.
Kumkum (also known as Sindoor): A tilak of kumkum is put on the Ganapati idol, on the forehead between the eyes.
Symbolism/Significance: The symbolism of this tilak is that you are offering light, the forehead being the horizon on which the fiery Sun (the tilak) arises.
Other offerings include: Kewra (lotus), red sandalwood, white lilies.
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