Ganesh Charturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Ganesh, god of wisdom and prosperity. It falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August/September). Ganesh Chaturthi lasts for 10 – 11 days, with the biggest celebrations taking place on the last day, Ananta Chaturdasi.

Who celebrates?

Hindus around the world.

How do people celebrate?

• Before Ganesh Chaturthi starts some families make clay idols of Lord Ganesh and paint them
• On the first day, statues of Ganesh are installed in homes and temples and ceremonies are performed to invoke his presence
• Prayers are offered to Ganesh every day during the festival.

What should I know?

• On the 11th day, Ananta Chaturdasi , Ganesh statues parade through the streets and are then immersed in water
• Lord Ganesh is symbolised by a an elephant headed god who is the god of beginnings and fresh starts
• In the 2011 census 1.5% of the UK identified as Hindu.

How can I support others?

• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating
• Do not assume that if someone’s family is Hindu that they will be celebrating
• Encourage celebrations internally and externally
• Talk to your team about the religious representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area.

BBC video: Ganesh’s birthday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKumV4ZX-V8

Shree Ganapathi Temple: Lord Ganesh: https://ghanapathy.co.uk/ganesha/

India Today: Stories of Ganesh: https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/culture/story/ganesh-chaturthi-lord-ganesha-stories-legends-elephant-head-mahabharata-mouse-vehicle-lifest-1030837-2017-08-22