Ganesh Chaturthi Puja

Ritika Handoo is the time of the year when all the devotees out there become the host of the Lord and invite him to their homes. The weather conditions and the pure and fresh breeze blowing strike the perfect balance between the nature and the human soul. In this perfect surrounding people urge Lord Ganesha to visit their den by offering Puja on the day of Ganesha Chaturthi.

Here's how Ganesha Chaturthi Puja is performed:

The Puja begins by bringing home the idol of Ganesha and it is believed that this is the most auspicious day when you can bring home your favourite Lord. Before starting off with the puja you should make yourself ready with Aggarbatti and dhoop, Supari, Aarti Thali, Paan leaf, a piece of cloth for covering the idol and an another place of cloth for carrying the Lord's idol. Also don't forget to take Sandli before the puja starts.

• The puja starts off by lighting the dhoop and Agarbatti placed in the Puja thali.
• After that, put Paan leaf and the Supari on to the floor and also keep on chanting the mantra "Om Namah Shivay" of Lord though out performing all the rituals.
• If you have hired a Pundit to do the puja ritual for you then, don't forget to give him some Dakshina. Also offer something to the artisans who are beautifully decorating the idol of Lord Ganesha.
• Those who are bringing in the idol of Ganesha to their homes should cover the face of the idol with a cloth and should open it only on the day of the Ganesha Chaturthi. When you are bringing in the idol of Lord Ganesha in your home, before entering you must spread some raw rice.

Apart from the above given ingredients, you will also need the following things for the Puja to be completed:

• Red Flowers
• Druva grass Blades
• Modak
• Coconut
• Red Chandan
• Aggarbatti

• The Puja starts by cleaning the entire house! This is done before bringing in the idol of Ganapati home.
• All the members of the family should get themselves ready after taking bath before the Puja procedure kicks off.
• Thereafter, the second step is 'Pran-Pratishtha', which is the process of bringing in life in the idol by enchanting mantras. It will be better if you can invite a learned Pundit to perform the whole puja.
• The, the second step involves lighting of lamps and Agarbattis and performing the aarati.
• If the puja is being performed by a Pandit then you may also ask him to perform Shhodashopachara, which is the 16 form of offering Puja to Lord Ganesha. Just after that, worship the lord with 21 Modakas, 21 Druva Grass and also some red flowers.
• After that put the Tika of red Sandalwood on the Lord's forehead!! Then, break the coconut placed in front of the idol of Lord, after which all the evils could be warded off from your house.
• Also, put some fried grains in front of Lord Ganesha, for his carrier, Mushaka. Along with performing the Puja keep on reciting the 108 salutations of Lord Ganesha.

Follow these steps and show your respect to the almighty, he will be for sure shower upon all the love and happiness on to you if you will perform the puja as mentioned above. Pray, Love & Eat he will be happy with you that he will fulfil all your desires. The more pure hearted you will be, the more Lord Ganesha will shower upon with prosperity, health and wealth.