Ganesh Festival Facts For Kids - Why Do We Celebrate Ganesh Caturthi?

  

Ganesh Festival Date 2024?

 This year (2024) Ganesh Festival will be celebrated on Sept. 7.  as per the Hindu calendar, whereas Ganapati Visarjan will be held on Sept. 17. of the year 2024.

Explain why we celebrate the Ganesh festival?

Ganesh Chaturthi is held on the birthday of elephant-headed Lord Ganesh, Who is the Younger son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day Hindu festival. It is mainly celebrated in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Lord Ganesh is the symbol of good fortune, wisdom, and prosperity.

Lord Ganesh is worshiped as the lord of Art and Science and the god of wisdom. The festival celebrates Ganesh as the God of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles. He Fulfills all the wishes of his devotees and protects them from evils, fills the lives of his devotees with positivity and happiness, and removes all the obstacles and hurdles from the lives of his devotees.

Why do We Celebrate  Ganesh Chaturthi?

Historically, the festival has been celebrated since the time of King Shivaji Maharaj. During India's freedom struggle, Lokmanya Tilak changed Ganesh Chaturthi from a private festival to a public festival where people from all castes can come together and Pray and worship lord Ganesh and be united.
As the years passed with growing environmental awareness, people have started celebrating in an environmentally friendly way. 

Lord Ganesh Birth Story:

According to the ancient Hindu scriptures, it is believed that Mata Parvati created a boy from the dirt and the turmeric paste that she had applied to her body when lord shiva was away. Once so happened that when she was busy bathing she did not want anyone to disturb her so she instructed the boy to guard the door and not to allow anyone to pass through the doorway. In some time Lord Shiva returned home and saw a boy taking rounds to and fro at the gate of the house. As lord Shiva tried to enter the house the kid stopped him. Lord Shiva informed him that he was the better half of Mata Parvati but as per his mother's Instruction not to allow anyone to pass through the doorway the boy refused him entry. Shiva, not knowing that Ganesh was his son, beheaded him to make an entry into the house. On realizing what had happened, Parvati was grief-stricken and ordered Shiva to replace their son’s head with the head of the first living thing he came across. An elephant was the first thing Shiva came across and that’s how Ganesh ended up with the body of a human and the head of an elephant.

This day is considered the birthday of elephant-headed Lord Ganesh and is celebrated as Ganesh Chaturthi /Vinayak Chaturthi.

What Ganapati Teaches Us?

Lord Ganesh is very much popular and loved by the children. Hence, the Ganesh Festival is an ideal time for parents to get inspired by the Bal Ganesh and share some life lessons with their Little ones.

Here are some Life lessons that you can teach to your kids on this occasion.

1. Accepting the Imperfection.

 

The idol of Lord Ganesha is the perfect way to teach your kids to accept themselves as well as others the way they are. Everyone is perfect in their own way. The idol is a human body with the head of an elephant! It's the best example to teach your kids that none of us can be perfect and complete. Explain your little on that despite the imperfections, we must accept ourselves and everyone around us the way they are.

2. Your Parents are your world.

 There is a story that, Once Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati decided to test their son's wisdom and knowledge. They posed a challenge to Ganesha and Kartikeya that the one who could encircle the world three times and return to Mount Kailash first would be declared the winner. Kartikeya, the elder brother of Ganesha immediately mounted his peacock and set off to complete the challenge. Meanwhile, Ganesh being smarter knew that his very much slower vehicle rat would not compete with the kartikey's vehicle peacock, So he looked at his parents and thought, "For me, my parents are my world", so rather than wasting time roaming around the world I could encircle my parents three times.

Ganesh walked around them three times and then stood before them. When asked about his action, Ganesh humbly replied that his parents symbolize the entire universe, and by encircling them, he had encircled the world. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were very impressed by Ganesha's wisdom and devotion, So they declared him the winner of the contest. When Kartikey returned he found that he had not only lost the race but he was bitten very wisely.

This story not only teaches our kids to respect their parents but also to think outside the box in a given situation. Your physical weaknesses should not bring you down. One can always think creatively to overcome challenges. It also teaches the importance of understanding the deeper meanings behind tasks and challenges, rather than just approaching them at face value.

3. Listen More Than You Speak:

The elephant ears on Lord Ganesh symbolize the importance of being a good listener. Explain the importance of being a good Listener to learn and understand different perspectives of the situation. Being a good listener, You can develop immense knowledge too.

Teach your little one that when somebody is communicating with them, they need to listen before they talk or respond. Also the importance of using one’s knowledge wisely by explaining how Ganesh never misused his knowledge.  

4. Make the best of what you have :

Now we are familiar with the story of how goddess Parvati created Lord Ganesh out of the dirt collected from her body. Parvati had asked Ganesh to guard the door when she was bathing when Shiv was away. When Lord Shiva returned back Ganesh refused the entry. Shiva not knowing that Ganesh was his son beheaded him. On realizing what had happened, Parvati was and ordered Shiva to replace their son’s head with the head of the first living thing he came across. An elephant was the first thing Shiva came across and this is how Ganesh ended up with the body of a human and the head of an elephant.

There are three great messages we can learn from this story.

• You can module your child the way you want. (Creating a life out of dirt).
• Your duty should be above everything. (Ganesh not allowing Shiva entry on their own house )
• Making and creating  the best of what we have (Replacing Ganesha's head with an elephant's head)

5. Never Ever Give Up and Do your Job with all your Dedication:

Another body part that can be used to teach a lesson to your child, is the idol’s tusk. Have you ever noticed that one of the tusks (teeth)  of Lord Ganesh's idol is broken? Tell your kids the story of why this is so. There is a story that Ganesha’s pen broke when the learned Sage Vyasa was dictating the Mahabharata to him.

Sage Vyasa needed someone who could write down the epic Mahabharata as he dictated it, without making any mistakes. he realized that Lord Ganesh, the god of wisdom and learning, would be the perfect choice. When asked, Ganesh agreed to help, with a smile on his face, agreed to help on a condition - that the writing should be continuous, without any pause. However, While writhing, the quill(Pen) that Lord Ganesh was using broke, but the writing could not be paused. He couldn't stop writing, but he couldn't find another quill either. With unwavering determination, Lord Ganesh broke off a piece of his tusk and continued writing, ensuring that the verses were recorded without any interruption. And after many days and nights of continuous writing, the Mahabharata was complete. Lord Ganesh had sacrificed a part of his tusk to ensure that this great epic was preserved for generations to come.

This story of lord Ganesh can not only be used to teach you kids to never give up but also to do your job with all the dedication to again emphasize the teaching of ‘making the best of what you have’.

6. Respect everyone and be kind and humble to everyone:

Ganesha’s vehicle is a mouse. Ganesha’s choosing the mouse as his vehicle as a reliable partner can be used to teach your child about humility and the importance of treating all living beings with kindness and respect. Just as Lord Ganesh honors his rat vehicle, kids should learn to appreciate and care for animals and all forms of life. Explain to kids that even though Lord Ganesh is a powerful deity, his vehicle is a humble rat. This teaches us that it's essential to accept and respect all beings, regardless of their size or appearance.

Tell kids that Lord Ganesh's choice of a rat as his vehicle symbolizes the idea that even the smallest of creatures can help overcome big obstacles. Encourage them to believe in themselves and their abilities, no matter how small they may feel in the face of challenges.

7. Be Kind and forgive easily: 

Another story of Ganesha can be used to teach your child kindness. Ganesha was once invited to a big feast. It was a special occasion, and all the gods and goddesses attended. The moon, who was known for his radiant beauty, was also there. Moon who was particularly proud of his luminous glow began to make fun of Lord Ganesh, who had a round belly. The moon laughed and said, "Lord Ganesh, your belly is as round as mine tonight! You look so funny."Ganesha got angry at this and cursed the moon saying that he would become invisible from that day on.

The moon, realizing his mistake, felt deeply sorry. He apologized to Lord Ganesh and promised to learn from his arrogance and be more humble. But Ganesha could not revoke the curse, so instead, he tweaked it a little saying that the moon would grow thinner with each passing of the month and ultimately become invisible on one day, every month. That day is what we refer to as Amavasya (no moon night) and it is considered inauspicious in our country.

This story and the act of Ganesha’s forgiveness can be used to teach your kids to forgive those people who ask for their forgiveness and be humble to everyone and the significance of humility.

Names of Lord Ganesh:

It is believed that Lord Ganesha has 108 names in all , Here are some commonly used names of Ganesha-

1. Ganesha is his most commonly used name.
2. 
   

3. Vinayaka	A popular name that emphasizes his qualities as a leader.
   Ganapati	Referring to him as the Lord of Ganas (attendants of Lord Shiva).
   Vighneshvara	Signifying the Remover of Obstacles.
   Ekadanta	One toothed, representing his unique tusk.
   Lambodara	Pot bellied, highlighting his unique physical features.
   Gajanana	Referring to his elephant like face.
   Siddhidata	The Bestower of Success and Accomplishment.
   Bhalchandra	Meaning "Moon crested," as he bears the moon on his head.
   Heramba	The Protector of the Weak.
   Modakapriya	Lover of Modak (a sweet delicacy often associated with him).
   Vakratunda	The Lord with a Curved Trunk.

4. 
   

Ganesh Festival Activities for kids :

The Ganapati festival, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is a joyous occasion celebrated with great enthusiasm in many parts of India. It's a wonderful time for families and kids to come together and participate in various fun and creative activities.

 Here are some activities for kids during the Ganapati festival:

1. Ganesh Idol Decoration: 

Encourage your kids to participate in decorating the Ganesh idol and decoration for the Ganesh idol. Provide colorful paints, markers, and craft supplies to let their creativity flow. Encourage them to adorn Lord Ganesh with beautiful designs, mandap, and patterns.

2. Clay Modeling:

Teach our kids to make small clay Ganesh idols to introduce them to the idea of an eco-friendly Ganesh festival. This can be a hands-on and artistic activity that allows them to create their own mini Ganesh statues. 

3. Craft Workshops:

Organize craft workshops where kids can make paper mache Ganesh idols, greeting cards, or banners with Ganesh-themed art. Provide them with all the necessary materials and guidance.

4. Storytelling Sessions:

 Share stories and legends about Lord Ganesh with the kids. Narrate stories of his adventures and lessons he taught. It's an excellent way to introduce them to the significance of the festival.

5. Baking and Cooking:

 Involve kids in making special Ganapati festival sweets like modak (a favorite of Lord Ganesh), laddoos, or kheer. They can help with measuring ingredients, mixing, and shaping the sweets.

6. Dance and Music:

 Arrange a dance or music competition where kids can perform traditional dances like the dholki dance, sing devotional songs dedicated to Lord Ganesh, or perform a dram based on Ganesha's life or any social topic. Such activities can provide a stage for your kid to perform in their interesting field. 

7. Ganesha -Colouring and Drawing :

Encourage your kids to draw, Sketch, and color the picture of their Lord Ganesh. Arrange competitions based on the same. Provide them colors, papers, or sketches of Ganesha to color to encourage their artistic skills.

9. Ganesh Aarti: 

Teach kids how to perform the Ganesh aarti (prayer) and involve them in the daily rituals and ceremonies of the festival. It's a great way to instill spirituality and respect for our traditions into the kids at a very early age.

10. Community Service: Encourage kids to participate in community service activities like distributing prasad (sacred food), cleaning up local areas, or helping those in need. It instills a sense of social responsibility and empathy.

11. Ganesh Mandal Visits: 

Take kids to visit different Ganesh Mandals (temporary shrines) in your area. They can admire the grand decorations and participate in the festivities.

12. Ganesh Visarjan:

 During the immersion of Ganesh idols, involve kids in the procession and the farewell ceremony. Teach them about the environmental impact and the importance of eco-friendly idols.

Remember to emphasize the spiritual and cultural significance of the Ganapati festival to kids while engaging them in these activities. It's an excellent opportunity for them to learn, have fun, and bond with family and friends.

 How Do We Celebrate Ganesh Festival?

Explaining the celebration of the Ganesh Festival to children can be a fun and educational experience. Here's a child-friendly way to do it:

Ganesh festival decoration:

1. Introduce Lord Ganesha:

 Start by introducing children to Lord Ganesha. You can say, "Ganesh Festival is a special time when we celebrate Lord Ganesha, who is a very unique and kind god. He has an elephant head and a big tummy, and people love him because he brings good luck and happiness."
2. Ganesh Chaturthi:

 Explain that Ganesh Festival is also called "Ganesh Chaturthi," and it lasts for 10 days. "It's like a big Grand celebration to show our love and respect for Lord Ganesha."
3. Bringing Ganesha Home:

 Share that during this festival, people bring a statue or idol of Lord Ganesha to their homes. "Just like we have toys at home, they have a special statue of Lord Ganesha. It's like having a guest in their house!"
4. Decorating: 

Tell them about the decorations. "People decorate their homes with colorful flowers, and beautiful clothes, and even create pretty designs on the ground called rangolis. It makes everything look so festive and pretty!"
5. Worship and Prayers: 

Explain how people worship Lord Ganesha. "Every day, they sing songs, light incense sticks that smell nice, and offer yummy sweets called modaks to Lord Ganesha. It's like having a special meal with a friend!"

6. Art and Creativity: 

Mention that kids can get creative during the festival. "Children like you can draw pictures of Lord Ganesha, make colorful decorations, and even help with the prayers and rituals."

Also encourage your kids to draw rangoli for Ganesh Festival These activities will enhance there creativity skills.

7. Saying Goodbye: 

"After 10 days of fun and celebrations, it's time to say goodbye to Lord Ganesha. People take his idol to a river or a lake and gently put it in the water. They believe he goes back to his home in the water."
8. Sharing and Caring: 

Teach kids about the importance of sharing during the festival. "People share the sweets and blessings with their friends and neighbors. It's a time to be kind and help others."
9. Family Time: 

Emphasize that Ganesh Festival is a time for families to come together. "It's a bit like our family gatherings, where we spend time together and enjoy each other's company."
10. Respecting Nature:

Mention the importance of using eco-friendly idols and materials. "Some people use special idols that don't harm the environment. It's like taking care of our Earth, just like we do."
11. Learning and Fun:

Finally, encourage kids to ask questions and learn more about the festival. "It's a time to have fun, learn new things, and be a part of something special!"

Ganesh Festival Essay :

Ganpati festival, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is one of the most exciting and colorful festivals celebrated in India. It is a special time when people come together to worship Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. This essay will take you on a journey to explore the magic and joy of the Ganpati festival, perfect for kids to learn about this wonderful celebration.

let's learn a little about Lord Ganesha. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Ganesha is known for his big elephant head, which symbolizes wisdom and intelligence. He's also famous for his love for modaks, a sweet treat! Ganpati festival is all about celebrating this lovable deity.

Ganpati festival usually lasts for 10 days, and it takes a lot of preparation to make it special. People clean and decorate their homes, and beautiful idols of Lord Ganesha are crafted and painted. These idols can be small or huge, depending on the family's tradition and preference.

The most exciting part of the Ganpati festival is bringing Lord Ganesha home. Families install the idol in a special place in their homes called a "mandap." People believe that Lord Ganesha brings happiness and good luck to their homes during these days.

During the festival, families perform daily rituals to worship Lord Ganesha. They offer flowers, incense, and delicious modak to the idol. Devotees sing bhajans (devotional songs) and chant prayers to seek his blessings.

Many people participate in decorating the idol with beautiful flowers and colorful clothes. Some even create amazing backgrounds and settings to make Lord Ganesha's stay extra special. Kids get involved by making colorful rangolis (decorative designs on the ground) and drawing beautiful pictures of Lord Ganesha.

After 10 days of celebration, it's time to say goodbye to Lord Ganesha. On the last day of the festival, there's a grand procession called "Ganpati Visarjan." Families take their idols to rivers, lakes, or the sea for immersion. It's a joyful and emotional moment as people bid farewell to the beloved god, hoping he'll come back next year.

 

FAQ:

What is the Ganesh festival?

The Ganesh Festival is a special celebration, celebrated all over India where people worship Lord Ganesha, who is a beloved elephant-headed god. This festival usually lasts for around 10 days and is filled with lots of fun and excitement.

Why is Ganpati celebrated for 10 days? 
The tradition of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi for 10 days is believed to have started in the 19th century during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra, India. It was a way to promote cultural unity and nationalism among the people.

Why do kids love Ganesha?

Kids love Ganesha for a few simple reasons:

1. Friendly Appearance: Ganesha is often depicted with an elephant head, big belly, and a friendly face. This appearance makes him look approachable cute, which kids find endearing.

2. Stories and Adventures: Children enjoy hearing stories, and Ganesha is a popular character in many exciting tales. His adventures and clever solutions to problems capture the imagination of kids.

3. Symbol of Good Luck: Ganesha is considered a symbol of good luck and success. Kids might associate him with positive outcomes, making them feel happy and secure.

4. Celebrations and Festivals: Ganesha is prominently featured in festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, where there are colorful decorations, sweets, and a festive atmosphere. Kids love celebrations, and Ganesha is a central figure in these joyful events.

How to explain Ganesh Chaturthi to child?

Explaining Ganesh Chaturthi to a child can be done in a simple and engaging way. Here's a child-friendly explanation:
"Hey there! Ganesh Chaturthi is a special celebration where we welcome a very cool and friendly god named Ganesha into our homes and hearts. He has an elephant head, a big belly, and he's super smart!
People believe that Ganesha brings good luck and takes away all the obstacles in our lives. So, during this festival, we make colorful decorations, sing happy songs, and even dance to celebrate his arrival.
Families prepare yummy treats, especially his favorite sweets, and we have big feasts together. We also make clay idols of Ganesha, and some families even bring these idols to the river for a grand farewell at the end of the festival.
 
Ganesha is like a superhero with a cool twist - he's also a symbol of wisdom and good fortune. So, during Ganesh Chaturthi, we pray to him, asking for his blessings for happiness and success.
 
It's a time when everyone comes together, shares joy, and makes lots of beautiful memories. So, Ganesh Chaturthi is all about love, celebrations, and having a fantastic time with family and friends!"

What color represents Ganesha?

The most commonly associated color with Lord Ganesha is orangeIn many depictions and images, Ganesha is shown wearing or surrounded by orange-colored elements. However, it's important to note that different cultural and artistic representations may vary, and Ganesha is also depicted in various other colors depending on the context and traditions.