As the auspicious Vinayaka Chavithi festivals kick-off during the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi Tidi of the Bhadrapada month, devotees across the country prepare to welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes with grandeur. The 10-day celebrations culminate on Anantha Chaturdashi, with the traditional immersion of the beloved Ganesha idol.
To ensure a proper send-off, it is essential to follow a series of rituals and procedures. Begin by preparing a wooden asana, purified with sacred Ganga water and adorned with the auspicious swastika symbol. Lay a vibrant yellow cloth on the pedestal, where the idol of Ganapati will be reverently placed. Dress the idol in new clothes, apply a tilak of saffron, and offer Akshata, flowers, fruits, and modakam as a token of devotion.
On the day of immersion, which falls on September 17th this year, some opt to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha earlier, with immersions ranging from 3 to 5 days after installation. For those choosing the fifth day immersion, an auspicious muhurat from 10.45 am to 12.18 am on Wednesday, September 11th, beckons.
Immersing the Ganesha idol is not just a ritual; it is a duty procedure that demands reverence and meticulous execution. Before the immersion, ensure to perform a complete puja with full rituals, beseeching Ganesha’s return in the coming years. Conclude the ceremony with an aarti and the heartfelt plea for forgiveness for any inadvertent mistakes.
However, amidst the festivities, it is crucial to remember certain customs. Avoid wearing black or blue attire during the immersion, and refrain from using Tulsi leaves in the Ganapati Puja before the send-off. Offer 21 darbha bundles to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings and grace during this solemn occasion.
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