Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Step-By-Step Guide To 16 Puja Rituals Of Worshipping Lord Ganesha
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Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most cherished Hindu festivals, celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. The 10–12-day festival begins with Ganesh Sthapana (installation of the idol) and concludes with Visarjan (immersion in water). Each day involves prayers, offerings, and rituals performed with devotion, but the highlight is the 16-step Puja Vidhi ( Shodashopachara Puja ) performed to honour Lord Ganesha.
Preparing for Ganesh Sthapana
Before the rituals begin, devotees purify the puja space by cleaning it and sprinkling Ganga Jal. The area is decorated with flowers, banana leaves, and mango leaves. The idol of Lord Ganesha is then placed on a clean, elevated platform facing east or north. Devotees keep puja items ready in advance, including flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense sticks.
Best Time for Ganesh Chaturthi Puja
According to Drik Panchang, the most auspicious time to perform Ganesh Chaturthi Puja is during Madhyahna Kala (midday period). In 2025, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on Wednesday, 27 August, with the Madhyahna Muhurat from 11:05 am to 1:40 pm.
Ganesh Chaturthi Rituals and 16 Steps of Worship (Shodashopachara Puja)
As per tradition, Lord Ganesha is worshipped with 16 sacred steps, accompanied by the chanting of Puranic mantras. These rituals symbolise devotion, gratitude, and spiritual cleansing.
The 16 Steps of Ganesh Chaturthi Puja:
Special Notes for Devotees
If the idol is already installed at home and worshipped daily, the rituals of Avahana and Pratishthapan are not required.
Ganesha idols may be made of clay or metal. For pre-installed idols, Utthapana (awakening the idol) is done instead of Visarjan.
Ganesh Chaturthi is not only about festive joy but also about connecting deeply with spirituality through rituals. Performing the 16-step Puja Vidhi with devotion is believed to invite prosperity, remove obstacles, and bring blessings from Lord Ganesha.
Preparing for Ganesh Sthapana
Before the rituals begin, devotees purify the puja space by cleaning it and sprinkling Ganga Jal. The area is decorated with flowers, banana leaves, and mango leaves. The idol of Lord Ganesha is then placed on a clean, elevated platform facing east or north. Devotees keep puja items ready in advance, including flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense sticks.
Best Time for Ganesh Chaturthi Puja
According to Drik Panchang, the most auspicious time to perform Ganesh Chaturthi Puja is during Madhyahna Kala (midday period). In 2025, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on Wednesday, 27 August, with the Madhyahna Muhurat from 11:05 am to 1:40 pm.
Ganesh Chaturthi Rituals and 16 Steps of Worship (Shodashopachara Puja)
As per tradition, Lord Ganesha is worshipped with 16 sacred steps, accompanied by the chanting of Puranic mantras. These rituals symbolise devotion, gratitude, and spiritual cleansing.
The 16 Steps of Ganesh Chaturthi Puja:
- Avahana – Invoking Lord Ganesha.
- Asana – Offering a sacred seat.
- Padya – Offering water to wash His feet.
- Arghya – Offering water to wash His hands.
- Achamana – Offering water for sipping.
- Snana – Ritual bathing with Ganga Jal, milk, or Panchamrit.
- Vastra – Offering new clothes (avoid black and white).
- Yajnopavita – Offering the sacred thread.
- Gandha – Applying sandalwood paste or fragrance.
- Pushpa – Offering fresh flowers.
- Dhupa – Offering incense sticks.
- Dipa – Offering light.
- Naivedya – Offering food and sweets like modaks.
- Tambula – Offering betel leaves and nuts.
- Pradakshina – Circumambulating the idol.
- Namaskara – Bowing down in reverence.
Special Notes for Devotees
If the idol is already installed at home and worshipped daily, the rituals of Avahana and Pratishthapan are not required.
Ganesha idols may be made of clay or metal. For pre-installed idols, Utthapana (awakening the idol) is done instead of Visarjan.
Ganesh Chaturthi is not only about festive joy but also about connecting deeply with spirituality through rituals. Performing the 16-step Puja Vidhi with devotion is believed to invite prosperity, remove obstacles, and bring blessings from Lord Ganesha.
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