Shri Ganesh Chaturthi (27th August 2025)

1. Significance of Shri Ganesh Chaturthi

The destructive and Tama predominant Yama waves reach the Earth in greater proportion during the 120 days from Ashadha Purnima to Kartik Purnima. Their intensity is more during this period. However, during this period (meaning, from Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi to Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturdashi), Shri Ganesh waves too reach the Earth in greater proportion. This helps reduce the intensity of the Yama waves. On the day of
Shri Ganesh Chaturthi, as also during the days of Ganeshotsav, Shri Ganesh Principle is a 1,000 times more active on the Earth than usual. Worship of Shri Ganesh in this period bestows greater benefits.

2. Chant the Name of Shri Ganesh as much as possible

To benefit from the Ganesh Principle, we should chant ‘Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha I’ as much as possible and continuously.

3. Why donating Shri Ganesh’s Idol is unscientific ?

The Idol is not a toy that can be donated. There is no assurance that the donated Idol will be ritualistically immersed. Workers of ‘Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti’ (ANiS) throw such Idols in stone quarries. Even the documents obtained from the ‘Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’ do not mention anywhere that immersion of Ganesh Idols results in pollution. It is beyond man’s ability to give or accept a donation of Deities; therefore, donation of Idols is unscientific.

4. How to celebrate Shri Ganesh Chaturthi in an ideal manner ?

Anything which is in consonance with the Scriptures proves to be ideal and beneficial. If the Idol of Shri Ganesh is sculpted as per the science of making Idols, then those who worship them will benefit. Unfortunately, today Idols are worshipped in various forms and shapes based on one’s liking and imagination without taking into account the science of making Idols. This results in the denigration of Shri Ganesh.

Hindu festivals are not meant just for coming together socially, but for faster spiritual progress (to obtain God’s grace). Therefore, one should stop evil tendencies from entering the festival celebrations.

One should ensure discipline and sanctity at the venue of worship and the Pandal. Volunteers should be dedicated, service-oriented, who understand the spiritual meaning of religious rituals as well as the Deities and who can assist in the celebrations with an attitude of service unto Sat (Absolute Truth).

Programmes on social upliftment, rekindling Dharma (Righteousness) and national awakening should be arranged for the benefit of devotees.

• Discourses on spiritual topics such as Dharma, sadhana (Spiritual practice), Guru, disciple, etc.
• Discourses which create awareness amongst the masses about corruption, castes, terrorism, regionalism, etc.
• Lectures which create awakening amongst the masses about tobacco, alcohol, AIDS, etc.
• Music and devotional songs : Programmes of folk ballads, classical music and devotional songs of Saints.
• Plays and street plays : Based on patriotism or social problems.
• Quiz programmes on topics related to protection of the Nation & awakening of Dharma.

5. What to avoid during Shri Ganesh Chaturthi ?

A. Extortion in any form

B. Idols in unscientific form : Idols made from POP or in a weird form or huge in size.

C. Malpractices related to the Pandal made for the celebrations : 1. Use of inflammable substances while preparing a Pandal, 2. Extravagant expenditure on decoration of the Idol, illumination, etc., 3. Gambling & consumption of alcohol in the premises.

D. Denigration through advertisements : For example, showing Shri Ganesh as one who applies a balm or who rides a scooter, etc.

E. Publicity of anti-social products : Accepting donations from manufacturers of harmful products such as cigarettes and gutkha, etc. and encouraging the society to get addicted.

F. Malpractices in processions : 1. Slow movement of processions, 2. Applying gulal to passers-by forcibly,
3. Consumption of alcohol / addicting substances, 4. Obscene dancing, 5. Eve-teasing, 6. Ear-splitting firecrackers, 7. Idol immersion after 11 p.m.

G. Participation of anti-social elements

H. Domination of politicians

(Ref.: Sanatan’s Text – Shri Ganapati For more, please visit : Sanatan.org/English)