Ganesh Chaturthi: Date, History, and Significance of the Festival

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, celebrated on August 28, marks Lord Ganesha’s birth and unites communities across India in devotion, joy, and prayers for wisdom, success, and new beginnings. 

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated festivals in India. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings, the festival brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate with devotion, color, and joy.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2025?

In 2025, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Thursday, August 28. The date varies every year as it falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waxing moon period (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which usually comes between August and September.

History and Origins

Ganesh Chaturthi has been celebrated for centuries, but it gained prominence during the Maratha reign, especially under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who promoted it as a symbol of culture and nationalism. Later in the 19th century, freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak turned the festival into a grand public celebration to unite Indians against British rule.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati from sandalwood paste and brought to life. She assigned him to guard her while she bathed. When Lord Shiva, Parvati's husband, returned and found a stranger blocking his way, a battle ensued, resulting in Ganesha being beheaded. To calm Parvati’s grief, Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant and blessed him to be worshipped first before any new beginning or auspicious event.

Why is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?

The festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and success. Devotees bring home Ganesha idols, offer sweets like modaks, chant prayers, and perform daily rituals for up to 10 days. The celebrations end with Ganesh Visarjan, where the idols are immersed in water, symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution in life.

A Festival of Unity and Joy

Ganesh Chaturthi is more than just a religious event—it’s a community celebration that brings families, neighborhoods, and entire cities together. Whether in homes or huge pandals, the festival inspires devotion, togetherness, and hope for fresh beginnings.