Anant Chaturdashi, also famously known as Ganesh Visarjan, happens precisely after ten days of Ganesh Chaturthi. It falls on the 14th day of the lunar fortnight and is considered a day for special prayers for Hindus.
According to rituals and traditions, those who believe in Lord Ganesha invite him to their homes for prosperity and wealth. Symbolised by an idol, Lord Ganesha is flooded with prayers and a great sense of reverence. After these 10 days of devotion and prayers, his journey comes to an end, and he is thanked for all the blessings he brought with him.
Moreover, Anant Chaturdashi also has a brief history that comes with it.
History & Significance of Anant Chaturdashi
According to stories, legends, and beliefs, the Ganesh Visarjan began in the Maratha Empire, mainly during the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji. However, this fun and frolic ritual was somewhat extinguished during the British Raj due to the atrocities they subjected the Indians to, but it was again revived during the Indian struggle as a source of perpetual motivation for the freedom fighters.
As per mythology, this festival traces an interesting story to its roots.
The Story Behind Anant Chaturdashi Celebrations
Did you know there is also a story behind the reason for praying to God, Anant? Once upon a time, there was a girl, Sushila. Her father, Sumant, was a Brahmin who remarried a woman named Karkash after Sushila's mother passed away. But Sushila's stepmother used to harass her and give her a lot of trouble.
This negative feeling stayed with Sushila, the child, who grew to be a beautiful girl. When the time came for her marriage, she decided to move away from her husband, Kaundinya.
While they were travelling, they passed a nearby river. Seeing the river, Kaundinya thought to cool himself off and bathed.
While he was bathing, his wife Sushila saw some women praying nearby. Intrigued, she joined them and asked them about their worship. They. They told her that they were worshipping Anant. She further told them about the significance of Anant's vow. Anant Chaturdashi is one of the major festivals of Maharashtra.
The Vow - Anant Chaturdashi Festival
According to the vow, they explained to Sushila that some fried flour and Anarase needed to be prepared. After preparing this, half of these dishes are given to the Brahmins.
Then, a cobra is made out of sacred grass named Darbha and put in a bamboo basket for worship. The materials used for worship include scented flowers, an oil lamp, and incense sticks. Some of the food prepared is offered to the snake.
At the end of this, a silk string called Anant is tied to the wrists of the devotees. This string has 14 knots and is typically coloured with Kumkum. Womenfolk tie the knot in their left hands, and men tie it in their right hands.
The Purpose Of This Vow
The main purpose behind this vow is to earn purity of the divine and prosperity. Dedicated devotees keep this vow for 14 years.
Coming Back To The Story
When Sushila learned about Anant's vow, she decided to keep it. The womenfolk taught her the rituals and tied the ceremonial thread on her left hand.
After that, both the husband and wife miraculously prospered. Everything was going smoothly until one day, his husband Kaundinya asked her the reason for the vow, and when she told him, he was furious at her.
An argument followed, at the end of which her husband took the thread and threw it in the fire. Suddenly, the family experienced a spell of misfortune, and they were reduced to poverty. It was then that he finally understood that it was all because of Anant.
He had to undergo severe penance, and when he finally found Anant, it was revealed to him that he was none other than the supreme Lord Vishnu. Furthermore, Anant even promised that if he kept the vow and completed it, then at the end of 14 years, he would successfully obtain wealth, children, and happiness, which he did and lived happily after.
Why is Anant Chaturdashi Celebrated?
Anant Chaturdashi or Anant Chaturthi is celebrated on the 14th day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in Bhadrapada, typically in August or September. In 2024, Anant Chaturdashi will be celebrated on Monday, 17th September. This festival marks the conclusion of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with great reverence during the Ganesh Visarjan processions, which is the day's highlight. The festival is filled with devotion, celebration, and cultural enthusiasm, making it one of the most significant Hindu festivals.
Environmental Impact and Eco-friendly Celebrations
In recent years, there has been growing awareness about the environmental impact of Ganesh Visarjan during Anant Chaturdashi. Traditionally, large plaster of Paris idols were submerged in natural water bodies, leading to pollution and harm to aquatic life. To address these concerns, many devotees are now opting for eco-friendly celebrations. Using biodegradable materials like clay and natural dyes for making idols is encouraged. Moreover, artificial tanks and ponds are set up in various cities to immerse idols, reducing the burden on lakes, rivers, and oceans. These practices help maintain the sanctity of the festival while promoting environmental sustainability.
Significance of Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi
The Ganesh Visarjan ritual on Anant Chaturdashi holds deep spiritual meaning for Hindus. After welcoming Lord Ganesha into their homes or communities on Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees offer prayers and perform ten-day rituals. The Visarjan marks the return of Lord Ganesha to his celestial abode, symbolising the cycle of birth and death. The immersion of the idol signifies the temporary nature of life and the universe, reminding devotees to let go of attachments. This devotion is accompanied by chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya," creating an atmosphere of joy, devotion, and celebration.
Major Attractions Of Anant Chaturdashi 2024
On this very day, Ganesh Chaturthi comes to an end. And now comes the time for Ganesh Visarjan. The murti of Lord Ganesh is taken to nearby water bodies, such as a lake, river, or ocean, for Visarjan.
There are colourful parades in which people who have invited Lord Ganesha to their homes take the idol and inundate it with water. One can see the people dancing in pure divinity. The vibe of the parade is simply enchanting.
Also Read - Top 10 Famous Ancient Lord Ganesha Temples In India
How to Reach
Mumbai is an interesting urban travel getaway where one can hope to witness various festivals and events along with travel getaways. From Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, you will need to cover a total distance of 1,416, 710, 2,219, and 984 km, respectively. Let's discuss how you can reach Mumbai using the following routes.
By Air
The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM), formerly known as the Sahara International Airport, is the major airport for travel to Mumbai. After Delhi Airport, this airport is known to be the second busiest airport for handling and connecting flights locally and internationally.
According to 2019 data, it was considered the 41st busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. Many well-known airlines, such as Spicejet, Air Asia, IndiGo, and Go Air, offer good options for reaching the airport. While deboarding at the airport, it is important to know that it has two terminals.
Yes, Terminal 1 stands for the domestic terminal, which is also known as the Santacruz Airport.
The second terminal, Terminal 2, is majorly known for handling all the international flights to and from Mumbai Airport. Every year, this particular terminal has been known for handling about 40 million passengers (approx figure)
By Road
If you want, you can also try travelling via road. Yes, the road networks connecting Mumbai are mostly well-maintained, so depending on your location, you can easily visit here. From Pune, you will need to cover 150 km via the Mumbai-Pune Highway, from Nashik, you will need to cover 165 km via NH160, from Ratnagiri, you will need to cover 454 km via NH66 or Nh48, and from Goa, you will need to cover 582 km via NH48.
You can also consider travelling via interstate buses to reach Mumbai. Yes, the Mumbai Central Bus Station is the primary bus terminus in the centre of Mumbai. From this terminus, buses (luxury, semi-luxury, passenger) of MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) operate to and fro on a fairly regular basis.
By Train
Mumbai is well-linked by a prominent network of railway lines. If you are coming from the central, Western, or eastern parts of Mumbai, you should deboard at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
However, if you are coming from the northern side, you must consider deboarding at the Mumbai Central Station. After deboarding, you will need to cover the remaining distance via some means of public transport, such as a cab, bus, auto, or metro, to reach your destination.
From Delhi, you can take Mumbai Rajdhani and deboard at Mumbai Central. From Hyderabad, you can take Rajkot Express or Konark Express via Secunderabad Junction. And, from Visakhapatnam, you can board the Konark Express via Visakhapatnam railway station.
Conclusion
Anant Chaturdashi is a festival that blends devotion, tradition, and celebration. The 10-day journey with Lord Ganesha culminates in the vibrant and emotionally charged Ganesh Visarjan, where devotees bid farewell to the deity with immense gratitude and reverence. As the festival has evolved over the years, there has been a shift toward eco-friendly practices, ensuring that the spiritual significance of the occasion is maintained while also safeguarding the environment. Whether through prayers, cultural events, or community celebrations, Anant Chaturdashi continues symbolising faith, unity, and devotion for Hindus worldwide.
PLEASE NOTE: Dates can vary due to cancellation or last-minute changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Anant Chaturdashi
Q. What is Anant Chaturdashi?
A. Anant Chaturdashi is a Hindu festival celebrated on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada. It marks the culmination of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, where Lord Ganesha's idol is immersed in water bodies, symbolising his return to the divine realm.
Q. When is Anant Chaturdashi celebrated in 2024?
A. In 2024, Anant Chaturdashi will be celebrated on Monday, 17th September. It is observed ten days after Ganesh Chaturthi and is primarily marked by the grand Ganesh Visarjan processions.
Q. What is the significance of Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi?
A. Ganesh Visarjan signifies Lord Ganesha's farewell as he returns to his celestial abode. The physical idol is immersed in water, reminding devotees of the impermanence of life and the importance of detachment, symbolising the cycle of creation and dissolution.
Q. How can I participate in an eco-friendly Anant Chaturdashi celebration?
A. To participate in an eco-friendly celebration, you can use clay idols instead of plaster Paris ones, as they dissolve more easily in water and are less harmful to the environment. Additionally, consider immersing the idol in artificial ponds or tanks to reduce the impact on natural water bodies.
Q. What are the main rituals performed during Anant Chaturdashi?
A. The main rituals of Anant Chaturdashi include performing puja to Lord Ganesha and immersing (Visarjan) his idol in a water body. Many devotees also observe the Anant vow, offering prayers to Lord Vishnu for prosperity, purity, and spiritual fulfilment.
