This year the festival will take place from September 19 to 28.
District priest Sudhakar of Pudukkottai explains the reason behind this belief.
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi and Ganeshotsav, is an auspicious Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. He is known as the god of wisdom, prosperity and happiness. The people of India get ready with pomp and ceremony to celebrate the ten-day festival. This year the festival will be celebrated from September 19 to 28. According to beliefs, Lord Ganesha is also known as the Vighnaharta, which means one who removes obstacles. He has great significance in Hinduism, and almost all rituals begin with his worship. On this day, people bring the idols of Lord Ganesha to their homes to offer prayers. But have you ever noticed that when a family brings home an idol of Lord Ganesha, the face is usually covered or the eyes of the idol are covered with a holy cloth? Do you know the reason? Let us tell you. While speaking to News18, district priest Sudhakar of Pudukkottai explained that there is a belief that the face of Ganesha’s idol should be revealed before the Pran Prathishta puja, on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi.
It is said that Pran Prathishta means the family members inviting Ganesha to stay in the idol. After the ritual, the idol is no longer made of earth, but is believed to be a living form, which is a guest in the family for 10 days. That is why it is said that Lord Ganesha is allowed to see the family only after this puja.
According to the Drik Panchang, this year the auspicious time to welcome Ganesha home on Chaturthi Tithi begins at 12:39 PM on September 18 and ends at 1:43 PM on September 19. The 10-day Ganesh Utsav festival ends on September 28 with Ganpati Visarjan.