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The celebrations that often accompany dhol tasha, dance, admirably referred to as Ganpati Dance by the residents, and a great favour are not strange to anyone in Maharashtra. It's the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi that we are hinting at, but wait? Doesn’t it come in the month of August or September? Then why are we talking about it in January? Read till the end to seek your answers as Maharashtra seeks the early blessings of Ganpati Bappa.
Every year, there are two celebrations honouring the elephant-headed god; one is the Ganesh Chaturthi, which is widely famous, and the other is the Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi or Maghi Ganpati. While the former is celebrated as the annual arrival of the lord on earth from his celestial abode, the latter is the actual birthday of Ganesh. People often confuse Ganesh Chaturthi as the birth of lord Ganesh, but that is not true. According to Puranas, Ganesh was born in Shukla Paksha Chaturthi (the fourth day of the waxing moon) in the month of Magha, which typically falls in January or February, and hence this day is celebrated as his birthday.
How was Lord Ganesh born?
If you are not aware of the famous story of how the lord Ganesh was born, here is one of the versions of it. Although there are various stories attached to his birth, the most relevant is that Goddess Parvati was the creator of Ganpati. She, in the absence of Lord Shiva, used her sandalwood paste to create Ganesha and put him on guard while she had gone for bathing. While she was gone, Lord Shiva got into a fight with Ganesha as he did not allow him to enter, as per his mother’s orders.
Enraged, Lord Shiva cut off Ganesha's head. When Parvati saw this sight, she took the form of Goddess Kali and threatened to destroy the world. This worried everyone and they requested Lord Shiva to find a solution and calm the rage of Goddess Kali. As a result, Lord Shiva replaced Lord Ganesha’s head with the head of the first animal head he could get, an elephant. Lord Shiva immediately placed the head on Ganesha's body and brought it to life again. The rage of Maa Kali was calmed, and Goddess Parvati was overwhelmed once again. He also gave his words to Parvati, promising her that their son would be worshipped before any other gods.
Significance of Maghi Ganpati
Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day brings wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. The festival is seen as an opportunity to invite positive energies, overcome life's hurdles, and embark on a path of wisdom and prosperity. This festival is observed mainly in Maharashtra and Goa, and almost the same rituals are followed during Ganesh Chaturthi. People observe a day-long fast, bring Lord Ganesh’s idol home, prepare sweets, and organise cultural programs, bhajans, and processions during this festival.
Although Maghi Ganpati is not celebrated at the magnitude of Ganesh Chaturthi, it still holds its own significance as a sacred festival. For who is called Vignaharta - the destroyer of obstacles is welcomed with devotion and worshipped with heart by his followers.