Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the colorful and widely celebrated in India as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. Known as the God of knowledge, good fortune, and wisdom, Lord Ganesha, the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva was born on this day.

Also called as Vinayaka Chaturthi, this festival is observed on the fourth day in the month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls between August & September. Just before gathering all the necessary items, the following preparation is to be done before commencing the Ganesha Puja Vidhi;

At first, sweep and clean your house & the area where the idol of the Lord Ganesha is to be placed. Invite your friends and relatives for the puja and recite the beautiful Ganesh Shlokas as you welcome the Lord in your house. Then, get the idol of the Ganpati at your home covered with the cloth, and remove the same cloth the next day you have puja.

Below are the Ganesh Chaturthi pooja items required for Ganesh puja.

• An idol of Lord Ganesh, preferably eco-friendly, the one made of clay.
• A platform is known as Chauranga or elevated table to place the idol of Ganesha.
• A clean cloth to cover the table and decorate the surroundings of the idol.
• Red flowers, such as Hibiscus and Durva grass blades.
• Chandan or sandalwood paste.
• Agarbattis and incense sticks.
• Modak- with the sweet jaggery filling or any other favorite sweet of Lord Ganpati.
• Coconut and some fruits.
• A Diya or Deep to light in front of the idol and at the time of Aarti.

Those who are still are not aware of what is the actual procedure & how to perform Ganesh Chaturthi Puja at home, here is a step by step guide provided for your convenience.

Step 1: Take bath early in the morning, wear clean clothes and get ready for the pooja. Prepare a mandap of banana leaves or coconut along with mango leaves and flowers as well. You can also decorate with Ashoka tree.

Step 2: Carefully place the idol of Lord Ganesh on the platform ideally in the north-east corner of the house.

Step 3: Just before installing and once the idol is placed, the prayers and mantras are chanted. Then is the ‘Padya Samarpan’ where five flowers should be placed on the feet of the lord.

Step 4: Sprinkle Ganga Jal in the area where the idol is placed, bathe the Lord with water & Panchamrit- prepared using ghee, sugar, honey, milk, and curd.

Step 5: Adorn the Lord with shiny and pretty clothes, ornaments, garlands, Chandan, Durva and then offer Naivedyam.