To celebrate one of the most auspicious festivals of the Hindu religion, we are ready to ring in Ganesh Chaturthi in all zeal and zest, welcoming our 'Ganpati Bappa' in the most amazing ways. Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi, this day celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, one of the most popular deities and the Hindu God of wisdom, success, and prosperity. The festival is celebrated in all fervency in the country, more so in the state of Maharashtra where Chaturthi preparations commence a month before the actual day of festivity arrives. The celebrations last for ten days, from Bhadrapada Shudh Chaturthi to Ananta Chaturdashi as per Hindu Vedic Calendar. While people have Ganesha idols of different sizes that are immersed in the water on different days, a miniature clay idol of Lord Ganesha is also seen proudly sitting surrounded by fruits and flowers in every household. All Ganesha temples witness visits of many devotees chanting prayers and hymns seeking blessings to get an obstacle-free year. It is believed that Lord Ganesha descends on earth from Kailash Parvat with His mother Goddess to offer blessings.


What Makes Ganesh Chaturthi Special?

Not just a festival, Ganesh Chaturthi is analogous to health, wealth, prosperity, wisdom, fertility, and happiness. Ganpati puja is performed for irrevocable fortune, success, wealth, and of course great health. Often, families gather to celebrate the festival, immersing small and large idols of Ganesha, considered a dispeller of obstacles. Temples are laden with flowers as well as many herbs and leaves which is unique about the festival. As many as 21 types of ‘Patras’ or leaves are offered to this deity. According to ancient texts, leaves are found to be effective to cure many health anomalies and augment overall wellness. Since an unhealthy body brings many physical problems leading to emotional disbalances, people pray to this lord to give them a healthy mind and a healthy body. Even though it is a Hindu festival, irrespective of religious deliberations, it is celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm. Lord Ganesha is also prayed to by many aspiring transcendentalists and a lot of researchers who study Vedic science and believe that the elephant lord has the power to remove obstacles on the soul’s spiritual journey and the elephant head represents the knowledge about how the planets affect karma and destiny of each soul on earth. This ritual of immersing the precious idol also carries a spiritual message of making us aware that everything is transient, and we must let go of everything no matter how prized or precious that we may have held on to for a long time

Also, Read Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: Traditional Delicacies To Relish On This Auspicious Occasion

Every festival in India has an array of delicious sweets and savouries that are prepared to celebrate the special day.  While there are many Ganesh Chaturthi special recipes, that are offered to Lord Ganesha and his devotees, this Vinayak Chaturthi, here are 5 healthier versions of sweets we offer to this supreme God of hale, hearty, physical and emotional well-being.

Ragi Modak

While we all know Modak happens to be Ganesha’s favourite sweet, a dumpling made with ragi and jaggery is a healthier version that everyone will relish. Ragi is one of the gluten-free whole grains with ample fibre that keeps diabetes at bay. Jaggery increases haemoglobin count in the body and combats anaemia.

Rainbow Fruit Platter

Let this monsoon season of festivity get brighter with a platter laden with an array of fruits. A colourful platter of guavas, apples, berries, bananas and many more promises an intake of vitamins and minerals that can keep many chronic ailments and deficiencies at bay.

Puffed Rice Murmura

Puffed rice contains a fabulous combination of fibre, protein, complex carbs, vitamins, and minerals that helps with weight loss and keep the body healthy and free of infections.

Channa Sundal

Channa Sundal is a south Indian style protein-rich snack, made with white chickpeas. This sumptuous dish is usually tempered with freshly grated coconut thus making it a nutrient-dense festival delicacy.

Nutritious Bowl Of Nuts

There can’t be a day healthier than the one when you eat a small bowl of dried nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, and raisins. Rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and phosphorus besides all vitamins, nuts are also high in phenolic antioxidants thus boasting of numerous health benefits.