by Tanu Bhandari

Created on: October 13, 2009   Last Updated: October 14, 2009

The process of doing Ganesh puja varies among different states, communities and homes across the length and breadth of India maintaining the sanctity of Hindu rituals and traditions. Tolerance and piousness is the beauty of Hindu religion, which brings about so much diversity in celebrations and rituals among devotees. Before delving deep into the intricacies of Ganesh puja, one should know about lord Ganesh and the significance of Ganesh puja.

Lord Ganesh

You can easily recognize Lord Ganesh in pictures or idols by few striking features like elephant head, four arms, pot-belly and a minuscule mouse nearby. In Hindu mythology all gods are supposed to have a vehicle to ride on, generally it is an animal or a bird. For Lord Ganesh it is a mouse.

Significance of Ganesh puja

Lord Ganesh is considered god of wisdom and destroyer of all evil and obstacles. So for any auspicious beginning, a Hindu does Ganesh puja, be it for a newly wed couple or a house warming ceremony or a new business venture. Ganesh puja marks a humble beginning for all human endeavors. In olden days and some parts of the country even today, diwali marks the beginning of new financial year. Hence the concept of doing Ganesh puja on diwali for the auspicious beginning and the tradition continues till date.

Steps to follow for Ganesh puja on diwali

1.On the day of diwali, the place of worship in the house, be it a small room or a serene corner is thoroughly cleaned. Fresh clay idols of Ganesh and laxmi are placed side by side. Ganesh idol being on the right side of Laxmi idol. Afterwards, the old idols are immersed in holy rivers. People possessing expensive metallic idols wash it clean and worship same idols year after year on diwali.

2.The puja platform or simply a part of floor near the worship place is decorated with rangoli; intricately done by the womenfolk of the house.

3.A puja-thali(plate), consisting of haldi(turmeric powder), kumkum, flowers, fruits and mithais(Indian sweet) is prepared well before puja begins. Sweet and salty home-made snacks, especially prepared for the occasion also find place on the platter.

4.In the evening, just after sunset, family members spring into festive spirit wearing new clothes for the diwali puja and the associated festivities. An earthen lamp and incense sticks are lit in front of the deities.

5.Then aartis( hymns) are recited by all family members. The most prevalent aartis for diwali are 'Om Jai Jagdish' followed by a hymn in praise of lord Ganesh 'Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh'.

6.After reciting hymns, tilak is placed on forehead of each member,the offerings made to the Lord in puja-thali becomes the prasad devoured by all devotees.

Ganesh puja is followed by more diwali festivities. People exchange diwali greetings with neighbors, friends and relatives. Children are soon busy bursting fire-crackers. Elders engage themselves in playing cards. The festivity end with a sumptuous diwali meal.

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