The festival is mainly celebrated in India's Northern and Western parts; however, it is most popular in Maharashtra than inany other region. People here worship Ganesha with a grand gesture, and a heavy crowd singing and dancing on Ganpati's songs can be seen during the procession while bidding farewell to Ganesha.
The auspicious time to worship Ganesha is in the afternoon since it is also considered his birth time. However, on the day, on should not see the Moon. Doing so might lead the individual to some false accusations or some misfortune as per the legend.
So people to get the grace of Ganesha to worship the Lord and observe fast. They refrain from sighting the Moon since Lord Ganesha cursed Moon on his birthday when Moon made fun of Ganesha. Moon then lost all his illumination when cursed; however, on asking for forgiveness Lord Ganesha lifted his curse, saying that Moon won't be able to illuminate everyday; it will get and lose its shine. The waxing and waning Moon phases are the results of the legend!
Even Lord Krishna, when he once saw Moon on Ganesha's birthday, he was falsely accused of stealing a gemstone, which he didn't. Then to regain his image, Krishna observed fasting on Ganesh Chaturthi on the advice of Sage Narada. This lifted the accusation on Krishna, and he was proved not guilty, regaining his name and fame.
It is also considered that fasting on the day removes all our sins and blesses us with a positive mind that leads us to do-good deeds. Worshipping Ganesha on the day removes all obstruction from our path of success, wealth, and prosperity.
Different Planetary Position Forming on the Day
This year Ganesh Chathurthi is happening on Monday, which is the day of Moon. Lord Moon will reside in Uttarabhadrapada, which would then transit to Revathy star. Here the star Uttarabhadra Nakshatra or Saturn star denotes immense luck, whereas Revathy or Mercury star denotes wealth.
This is an auspicious day in itself due to sucha powerful placement of the planets. Worshipping Ganesha on the day multi folds the benefits of these planets, which invites abundance and wealth to our life.
Other planetary combinations are happening, too, as the Sun will reside in Dhanishta Nakshatra (Mars Star). Since Mars will bein its sign Aries, this is a day when we can cultivate mental power, energy, and passion for achieving our goals and dreams.
Additionally, four other planets Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and Mercury, will be in Capricorn. Here Venus will be in Dhanishta star, and the other three will be in Sravana star.
Dos
· Devotees can observe fast if their health allows.
· People can fast while consuming some fruits and milk or vrat-friendly foods.
· You can wear white color clothes to receive the grace of Moon.
· Meditate on Ganesha and Moon mantras to receive the blessings of lords.
· Worship Lord Ganesha by offering him some Durva grass, milk,fruits, flowers, and sweets.
· Donate milk and rice to poor people if possible.
Don'ts
· You should not act immoral or hurt someone physically or with your speech.
· You should not disrespect anyone from your family or outside.
· Don't let anger carry you away; practice being calm and peaceful.
· Don't disrespect your mother as Moon is related to your mother.
· Don't see the Moon on the day; else, you might get disgraced by Ganesha.
Mantras to be chanted atleast 108 times
Mantra for Ganesh
Om Sri Ganeshaaya Namaha
Meaning – I bow to Ganesh.
Mantra for the Moon (Chandra)
OM Sri Chandraaya Namaha
Meaning – I bow to the Moon
This way, when you worship Ganesha or observe fasting, he removes all the obstacles from your life and leads you to live a wealthy, prosperous, and respectful life. Get daily good timings and panchangam from astropedia
