What Is Anant Chaturdashi And What Is Its Significance In Ganesh Chaturthi?

Anant Chaturdashi comes 10 days after Ganesh Chaturthi and is celebrated as Ganesh Visarjan all over the country. It is the 14th day of lunar fortnight and it has significance for Hindus and Jains.

Ganesh Chaturdashi and Anant Chaturdashi

According to traditions, devotees invite lord Ganeshs to their homes on Ganesh Chaturdashi. Idols of lord Ganesha are brought homes followed by 10 days of worship. Finally, the idol is submerged in water when the lord leaves for his heavenly abode. The visit comes to an end with the lord Ganesha leaving his devotees with his blessings.

Significance of Anant Chaturdashi

It is the last day to offer your prayers to lord Ganesha. He is God Anant and he’s leaving for his heavenly abode. Devotees tie sacred threads on their wrists and take oath to the lord Ganesha. In return, the God Anant blesses the devotees with prosperity and fortune.

History of Ganapati Festival

The history of Ganapati festival can be traced back to the times of Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Maratha empire. It continued in the Mughal rule but at a low level and then again flourished in the British period when freedom fighter Lok Manya Tilak used the Ganapati festival as a mean to bring together to form a movement.

Ganesh Chaturthi in modern times

Celebrated with much fervor, the festival has spread to entire northern India where it was little knownin the ancient time. Acceptance of God Anant is increasing with devotees sharing their stories and experiences on social media.

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