Ways to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in your apartment

Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as ‘Vinayaka Chavithi’ or ‘Vinayak Chaturthi’ is celebrated by Hindus all around the world as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha is first worshipped before any holy occasion or puja. Ganesh Chaturthi is observed during the Hindu month of Bhadra in Hindi /Avani in Tamil (mid-August to mid-September). He is admired as the protector of all good things and prevents Vigna (meaning obstruction/bad omen). His motto is Shubh-Laabh (prospect and prosperity).

Normally Ganesh Chaturthi preparations start from almost a month before the festival. The celebrations last for ten days (from Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to Ananta Chaturdashi).On the 11th day, the idol is taken to the streets in a procession and immersed in a river or the sea signifies a ritual see-off of the Lord in his journey towards his abode in Kailash while taking away with him all the bad luck of the people.

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in a community with family, friends, and neighbor has become quite a common thing these days, especially in metro cities. However, organizing such a big celebration is not an easy task unless you know how to plan the entire course of actions step by step.

How to organise Ganesh Chaturthi celebration in your apartment?

• One of the best ways to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi is to organize an event within the apartment and invite everybody. The entire society can contribute money or just the association can fund the event.
• As per ritual, installation of the Ganesha statue is the main event while celebrating the festival. Choose a suitable place within the apartment complex with the association member’s permission. Lighting arrangements along with flowers should be made.
• The festival is celebrated for ten days, and on each day there should be prayers organised at a particular time. Choose the association members for each day and instruct them on how they can initiate the prayers and rituals.
• The apartment association can arrange a feast for the society members as well as for the needy people. This festival will give an opportunity to feed the poor and share happiness among the less privileged.
• You can celebrate this Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly way by buying an eco-friendly Ganesha idol. One should also make sure that they save energy by turning on fewer lights and using natural colours, eco-friendly decorations
• Last but not the least is the Ganpati visarjan into the flowing water. In case, is there is no flowing water stream available at a nearby place, you can arrange the visarjan at the nearest pond or lake. But make sure you take prior permission from the concerned authority on the immersion.

Wish you all a Happy and a Blessed Ganesh Chaturthi 2017!

Ganpati Bappa Morya!!