Ganesh Chathurthi

The day on which Ganesh frequencies reached the earth for the first time, that is, the day on which Lord Ganesh was born, is called the fourth day (chaturthi) of the bright fortnight of Magh according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Since then, an association between Ganapati and chaturthi has been established.

What is the significance of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi?
In the 120 days from the full moon (pournima) in Ashadh till that in Kartik of the Hindu lunar calendar, yama frequencies, which have the ability to destroy and are tama predominant reach the earth in greater quantities. During this period they are of a greater intensity. However since during the same period, that is from the fourth day (chaturthi) in the bright fortnight of Bhadrapad till Anant chaturdashi, Ganesh frequencies too reach the earth in greater quantities it helps in reducing the intensity of the yama frequencies. Thus celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi derives the benefits from Ganesh frequencies and helps in reducing the effects of yama frequencies.

What should be the duration of the celebration according to scriptures?
According to the scriptures, it should be worshipped ritualistically and immersed immediately thereafter. Since divinity in the sculpt made from mud remains only for one day one can immediately immerse them on second day. It is because man enjoys celebrating festivals and was not satisfied with celebrating for only one day, man began festivities by keeping the idol for one and a half, five, seven or ten days. According to the custom, Ganesh should be immersed on the first, second, third, sixth, seventh or tenth day.

Can we change the duration of the celebration to one and a half day or do we need to ask someone before doing so?
Even if according to the family tradition of spiritual practice (kulachar) the Ganapati was to be kept for five days, one can worship the idol for one and a half or seven days. One need not ask an authority in Spirituality before doing so.

What is the need for a new idol?
Inspite of having an idol of Ganapati, which is routinely worshipped, a new idol is brought for Ganesh Chaturthi. During the period of Ganesh Chatuthi, the Ganesh frequencies reach the earth in larger quantities. If these frequencies are invoked in the usual idol of worship, then that idol will acquire a tremendous amount of energy. To worship such an idol meticulously observing all the norms of ritualistic worship throughout the year would be a difficult task as one would have to follow the restrictions of ritualistic worship (karmakanda).
Hence, a new idol is installed to invoke the Ganesh frequencies and is then immersed. The proportion of sattva, raja and tama components in Ganapati frequencies is 5:5:5 while that in an average person is 1:3:5. This makes it difficult for an average person to receive Ganesh frequencies for a long time.

Which family member should celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
The vowed religious observance followed for Ganesh chaturthi is referred to as 'Siddhivinayak vrat'. Actually it is beneficial if all family members observe it. If all the brothers live in a joint family, that is have a common treasury and kitchen, then jointly a common idol can be worshipped. However, if due to some reason the treasury and kitchen are separate then each one should observe the vowed religious observance of Ganesh (Ganeshvrat) in one's own home.
 

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