Mumbai: Vinayaka Chaturthi is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, celebrated on the Chaturthi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) every month. Lord Ganesha, known as the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta), is worshipped for wisdom, prosperity, and success. It is believed that praying to Ganesha brings intelligence and good fortune while ensuring the smooth completion of any new venture.

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Chaturthi Tithi in the month of Magha will begin on February 1, 2025, at 11:38 AM and end on February 2, 2025, at 9:14 AM. Based on the Udaya Tithi (the prevailing Tithi at sunrise), the Vinayaka Chaturthi fast will be observed on February 1, 2025 (Saturday), and the fast will be broken on February 2, 2025 (Sunday).

Vinayaka chaturthi puja vidhi

• Begin the day by waking up early and taking a bath.
• Take a vow (sankalp) to observe the vinayaka chaturthi fast with devotion.
• Bathe the idol of Lord Ganesha with Gangajal (holy water) and adorn it with sandalwood paste, roli, and vermillion.
• Chant Ganesha Mantras Such as: “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” and “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah”
• Offer 11, 21, 51, or 108 blades of durva grass to Lord Ganesha as per your devotion.
• Prepare a special offering (bhog) of modaks, Ganesha’s favourite sweet, and present it during the puja.
• Conclude the puja by performing Aarti and distributing prasad among family and devotees.
• Engage in acts of charity by donating food and essentials to the needy.

What to do on vinayaka Chaturthi

• Install Lord Ganesha’s idol and perform the puja with proper rituals.
• Recite Ganesha’s mantras to seek his blessings.
• Offer modaks as bhog and 21 blades of durva grass.
• If observing the fast, consume only sattvic (pure and vegetarian) food.
• Help those in need through donations and acts of kindness.

What Not to Do On Vinayaka Chaturthi

• Avoid speaking ill of others or engaging in gossip.
• Refrain from anger, deceit, or speaking lies.
• Do not consume non-vegetarian food, onion, or garlic.
• Keep your mind free of negative thoughts and distractions.

What to eating vinayaka chaturthi fast

• Fruits: Apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, etc.
• Dairy Products: Milk, curd, paneer, etc.
• Dry Fruits: Almonds, raisins, cashews, etc.
• Vegetables: Boiled or steamed vegetables are allowed.
• Kuttu flour: Prepare dishes like khichdi or puris using buckwheat flour.
• Rock salt (sentha namak): This is the only permitted salt for fasting.

What to do eting vinayaka chaturthi fast

• Grains: Avoid rice, wheat, millet, etc.
• Pulses: Lentils and pulses are prohibited.
• Oil and Ghee: Avoid deep-fried or oily foods.
• Spicy Foods: Refrain from eating spicy and overly flavoured foods.
• Non-Vegetarian Items: Meat, fish, and eggs are strictly forbidden.

Vinayaka chaturthi vrat katha

According to Hindu mythology, once Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were sitting by the Narmada River. To pass the time, they decided to play a game of dice. During the game, Goddess Parvati lost and became upset. She declared that she would create a son who would be more intelligent than Lord Shiva. With her divine power, she sculpted a figure and infused life into it, thus giving birth to Lord Ganesha—a deity with an elephant head and a human body.

One day, while Lord Shiva was travelling across the universe, he returned home to find the door locked. Ganesha, unaware of Shiva’s identity, refused to let him enter. Enraged, Lord Shiva severed Ganesha’s head with his trident. When Goddess Parvati saw this, she was devastated and cursed Lord Shiva that he would never be able to restore a severed head again. Realising his mistake, Lord Shiva sought Lord Brahma’s help, who advised finding the first living creature whose head could replace Ganesha’s.

Shiva’s followers found an elephant and attached its head to Ganesha’s body, bringing him back to life. Since then, Ganesha has been worshipped as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles.

Vinayaka chaturthi vrat paran

Paran refers to concluding the fast, which must be done following specific rituals:

• Before breaking the fast, take a bath to purify yourself.
• Perform the final puja of Lord Ganesha with aarti.
• Consume the prasad offered during the puja, which usually includes fruits, milk, and curd.
• If possible, donate food or essentials to the needy before breaking your fast.
• Eat light and sattvic food, avoiding heavy meals immediately after the fast.

The fast is typically concluded the next morning after sunrise with prayers and offerings.

Vinayaka Chaturthi

Vinayaka Chaturthi is a day of devotion, faith, and seeking the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha. Observing the fast with sincerity, performing puja rituals, and following the traditional do’s and don’ts can help devotees attain wisdom, success, and prosperity. As Ganesha is the harbinger of new beginnings, praying to him on this auspicious day is believed to remove obstacles and bring joy into one’s life.

(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not independently verify the religious significance of these rituals.)