What is the imp[ortance of ganesh festival ?

Answer 1

Ganesh Chaturthi is an occasion or a day on which Lord Ganesha makes his presence on earth for all his devotees. It is not the birthday of Lord Ganesha. The festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period). While held all over India, it is at its most elaborate in Maharashtra, and other areas which were former states of the Maratha Empire. This typically comes sometime between 20th of August and 15th of September. The festival lasts for 10 days, ending on Ananta Chaturdashi.
Rituals

During the festivals, a household worships an idol of Shri Ganesha. The worship happens for 1 day in South India, but in western states of Maharashtra and Goa, the worship may last from 2 to 10 days.

The main sweet-dish during the period are modaks, also known as modagam [kozhakottai] in South India and karanjis. A modak is a sort of dumpling made from rice flour with a stuffing of coconut, jaggery and some other condiments. It can be either steam-cooked or fried and the coconut can be fresh-grated or dried-grated. A karanji is similar but has the shape of the 4th day moon.

There are also public celebrations of the festival, with local communities (mandals) vying with each other to put up the biggest idol. The festival is the time for a lot of cultural activities like songs, dramas and orchestra.

Answer 2

Ganesh Festival is a celebration dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the son of Shiva and Parvati. Lord Ganesha (Ganpati), the God of wisdom and prosperity is known as the first God (Prathmesh) in Hinduism.

The birth of Lord Ganesh is on the 4th day of the bright half of Bhādrapada (August/September in the Gregorian calendar). This festival is celebrated for 10 days from Ganesh Chaturthi (birth date) to Anantchaturdashi (the final 10th day of his immersion).

Ganesh, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is widely worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom. This festival in his honour is celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, but is most extravagant in Pune & Mumbai.

Ganesh Festival In Pune, there are five "Ganpati of Honour." They are as follows: First Ganpati of Honour - Kasba Ganpati; Second Ganpati of Honour - Tambadi Jogeshwari; Third Ganpati of Honour - Guruji Talim; Fourth Ganpati of Honour - Tulsibaug Ganpati; and Fifth Ganpati of Honour - Kesariwada Ganpati. Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandal and Akhil Mandai Mandal are also worshipped by crores of people across globe.

During the festival, an idol of Lord Ganesh is worshipped for 3, 5, or 10 days. During these days, people sing prayers called Aartis. They visit the homes of their friends and relatives who have Ganesh idols at their homes.

This 11-day festival starting with the installation of beautifully engraved (sculptured) Ganesh idols in colorfully decorated homes and mandapas (pendals). The mandapas has been depicted by religious themes or current events. The idols are worshipped with families and friends. An enthusiastic spiritual atmosphere prevails.

Today, the Ganesh Festival is not only a popular festival - it has become a very critical and important economic activity for Maharashtra. Many artists, industries, and businesses survive on this mega-event. Ganesh Festival also provides a stage for budding artists to present their art to the public.