Ganpati Visarjan 2024: Date and Importance of Anant Chaturdashi (2024)

Anant Chaturdasi or the last day of the Ganesh Utsav marks the end of the vibrant festival with Ganesh Visarjan. It is the day when devotees say their farewell to Ganesh by the way of immersing the idol in water and wishing for him to come the next year. This special event is celebrated with grandeur in many parts of the country and the festival is rooted in the Hindu tradition. In 2014, the Ganesh Visarjan will be held on Anant Chaturdasi which is on September 17th. Read below to learn more about the importance of this event and the date and time.

Visarjan Days Of Ganesh Chaturthi, 2024

The Ganesh Visarjan is held on the final day of Ganesh Utsav and the day is called Anant Chaturdasi. This year, the festivities begin on September 7 and end on September 17, Tuesday. While typically the Visarjan or immersion is done on the last day, there are other days where you can also do the immersion and are as follows:

1 ½ Day: Saturday, September 8
3rd Day: Monday, September 9
5th Day: Wednesday, September 11
7th Day: Friday, September 13

Participate in the Ganesha Chaturthi Rituals

Ganesh Visarjan Significance

Ganesh Visarjan is the conclusion of the Ganesh Utsav and is symbolic of Ganesh’s journey back to his hometown, Mount Kailash. It signifies the cycle of life which is birth, life and death or dissolution showcasing the universal truth that indicates what originates from earth returns back in the end. The immersion ritual called Visarjan in Sanskrit is a reminder that nothing in life is permanent and one should be ready to let go.

During the immersion, devotees bid a warm farewell to Ganesh with mixed feelings of sadness, joy and reverence celebrating his act of removal of obstacles and also his blessings. The festival has deep-rooted importance culturally and spiritually and the timings align with many significant events as per the Hindu calendar. For instance, the Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat is marked by many rituals which include the observance of a fast to attain prosperity. Since Ganesh Utsav is a public celebration it is not only a devotional act but also an expression of faith where people from many castes, creed and religions take part in the festivities as well as come to the farewell procession.

Ganesh Visarjan Mantra

While many mantras are chanted before the idol is taken out in procession one Mantra that is everyone’s favourite is ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya. Mangala Murti Morya’. People shout this out to Ganesh until the idol is immersed in water.

Ganesh Visarjan Vidhi

If you have installed the idol at home then you can follow the following Puja Vidhi or rituals to bid farewell to Ganesh.

• Start by offering an aarti to the deity along with your family and friends on the day of the Visarjan. The customary aarti song is sung for Bappa one of which is Jai Ganesha Deva and the other is Sukh Karta Dukh Harta.
• Light ghee lamps, incense and Dhoop offer flowers that are scented. As Prasadam offer homemade sweets to the god.
• As the Mahurat or auspicious time for the Visarjan approaches everyone should come to the Puja altar. Perform aarti and then take the idol in a procession from your house.
• Before you take the idol out of the decorated platform move it a little slowly indicating that his stay at your home is coming to an end and that he is heading back home. Ensure that everyone in your family is present during the Visarjan to get Ganesha’s blessings.
• Say your prayers and thank god for staying at your place and also for offering your immense love for coming to your place. Express your gratitude for everything good that is there in your life and also for receiving his blessings. Be grateful to him for removing all the obstacles in your life. Thanking him is important as it is believed that it pleases Him and makes him feel loved by his devotees.
• Offer a mixture of rice and turmeric powder (Akshatha) to Ganesh. Place some curd in his hands.
• Place 5 grains, coconut, and jaggery in a red cloth. Keep this near Ganesh as it is symbolic of a meal for the travel back to Kailash.
• Sprinkle water on the person doing the Visarjan rituals.
• Take the idol holding his hand for a stroll around the house. This is symbolic of having his grace and presence in your house until he returns the next time.
• Chant mantras and songs together with happiness and enthusiasm
• Bring the idol out of your house. Another person holding a coconut should circle it over the idol’s head and break it open on the floor. Store the coconut with you and start for the water immersion.
• Once you reach the place of immersion, place the idol on a platform and do a final aarti.
• Remove all the flowers, drapes and ornaments and discard them appropriately.
• Finally, hold the idol and immerse it thrice before leaving it in the water.

When doing the Visarjan wish Ganesh to come next year as well and return home taking soil of the place of Visarjan and the coconut. Lord Ganesh is sure to bless his devotees with happiness, love and prosperity when they do the rituals with love and devotion.

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