F EST IVALS OF INDIA

GANESH CHATURTHI

ARRIVAL OF LORD GANESHA

Ganesh Chaturthi—The Arrival of Lord Ganesha Lord Ganesha is called 'the Lord of Beginnings'. It is believed that all auspicious occasions and ceremonies must start by the name of 'Ganesha'.

Lord Ganesha—the divine son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati—is the most revered and lovable deity. And, Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chaturthi is celebrated as his birthday. It is a significant Hindu festival. It is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm throughout the country, especially in Maharashtra. Ganesh Chaturthi falls in the month of Bhadrapad (August/September), starting on the chaturthi (fourth day) of the waxing moon period. It is a ten-day long festival, which ends on Anant Chaturdashi (fourteenth day) of the waxing moon period. It is believed that during this period, Lord Ganesha visits the Earth to bestow his blessings on human beings.

History of Ganesh Chaturthi The legend of Lord Ganesha's birth is associated with the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi: Once upon a time, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati lived on Mount Kailash. Lord Shiva had many attendants called ganas. One of the most loyal and sincere gana of Lord Shiva was Nandi—the bull. All the ganas including Nandi were highly obedient to Lord Shiva. They used to follow all his commands. Lord Shiva had also given them all the freedom to roam anywhere in Mount Kailash.

Goddess Parvati was not very happy with the presence of ganas around them all the time. Moreover, the ganas always gave priority to Lord Shiva's commands. There was no one who listened to Goddess Parvati's commands.

One day, Goddess Parvati was alone at home. She asked Nandi to guard the entrance while she was taking bath. She asked him not to allow anyone inside the home. Nandi sat on the entrance to keep a watch. After a few minutes, Lord Shiva arrived there. Nandi was confused that how could he stop his master to enter his own house. While Nandi was still in the doubt, Lord Shiva entered the house. When Goddess Parvati saw Lord Shiva inside, she got annoyed with Nandi.

That day, Goddess Parvati decided to create one attendant for herself. Next day, while taking bath, she cleansed her body with the turmeric paste. When she was taking out the turmeric paste from her pious body, a pile of the paste got accumulated at a place. Goddess Parvati created an image of a little boy from that paste.

Thereafter, she chanted some holy mantras and breathed life into the image. The little boy joined her hands and said, “O Mother, I'm now here to follow all your commands!” Goddess Parvati was thrilled to see her creation. She said to the boy, “O Son, I'm so happy to see you! Please always be with me!”

Goddess Parvati then asked the boy to guard the entrance while she would take bath. The little boy assured the goddess and sat on the entrance. After some time, Lord Shiva reached there. He was surprised to see a stranger sitting outside his house. When Lord Shiva tried to enter the house, the boy stopped him. Lord Shiva got furious. He said, “How dare you stop me! Don't you know who I am?” The boy replied politely, “I don't know who you are but I can't allow you to enter the house. It is my mother's command.” To this Lord Shiva lost his temper. He ordered his ganas to forcefully remove the boy from there. The ganas attacked the boy, but the little boy was strong enough to defeat them all.

Lord Shiva then came in front to fight with the boy. During the fight, the little boy's head was cut by Lord Shiva's trident. Goddess Parvati came out and saw the condition of her son. She broke into tears. She said to Lord Shiva, “What have you done, O Lord! You've killed our son.” “Our son, what are you saying, Parvati!” exclaimed Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati then narrated him the entire incident. Lord Shiva repented on his action and apologised to the Goddess. But Goddess Parvati was very angry.

She created thousands of yoginies to disturb the peace of the Universe. All the deities requested Lord Shiva to stop Goddess Parvati.

To pacify Goddess Parvati's anger, Lord Shiva ordered his ganas to bring the head of any living being that they come across first. The ganas brought the head of an elephant. Lord Shiva placed that head on the body of the boy and breathed life into him. The adorable, elephant-headed, pot-bellied and beautiful son of Goddess Parvati came back to life. Goddess Parvati was extremely happy to see her son back. She called him 'Gajanan'and Lord Shiva lovingly named him 'Ganesh'—the chief of ganas. In this way, the most lovable deity—Lord Ganesha—was born.

F EST IVALS OF INDIA

GANESH CHATURTHI L

ord Ganesha – the divine son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati – is the most revered and lovable deity. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as his birthday. It is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm throughout the country, especially in Maharashtra. It is believed that during this period, Lord Ganesha visits the Earth to bestow his blessings on human beings. Ganesha is widely worshipped as the God of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

The Great Indian Festival Series The books in this series have been structured thoughtfully to make children learn and enjoy our culture. Presented clearly and simply for a better understanding involves the child in easy learning process. Note for Parents: The present book has been created with the help of experts and parents to provide young children the essence of our festivals. Using this book It is important to create a relaxed

atmosphere, allowing the child to set his or her own pace. Encourage the child and give lots of praise, and always try to finish on a positive note. Build their confidence and encourage them to enjoy learning Tips for parents • Read aloud to the child - talk and read to him • Promote and develop imagination • Make learning process interesting and creative • Each child is an individual - customize learning as he likes • Enhance vocabulary skills • Be patient • Keep it simple • Repetition helps

Titles in the Series

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wRakshabandhan wDussehra wHoli wDiwali wNavratra wEid wOnam wDurga Pooja wLohri wGanesh Chaturthi wJanmashtami wGuruparv wPongal