Ganpati Visarjan, also known as Ganesh Visarjan, is a cherished ritual for bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha. This sacred practice holds immense significance and can be conducted on various days, catering to individual preferences and customs.
Same Day Ganesh Visarjan on Ganesha Chaturthi:
Although less common, some enthusiasts opt for Ganpati Visarjan on the very day of Ganesh Chaturthi, immediately following the Ganesha Puja.
One and a-Half Day Ganesh Visarjan:
This approach, quite popular among devotees, involves conducting the Ganesha Puja on Ganesha Chaturthi afternoon and subsequently performing the Visarjan during the latter half of the day on the following day.
Ganpati Visarjan on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th Days:
Certain families choose to perform Ganpati Visarjan on odd-numbered days post-Ganesha Chaturthi, such as the 3rd, 5th, or 7th day, each of these days having its unique significance.
Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi:
Anant Chaturdashi is the most pivotal day for Ganesh Visarjan. It marks the culmination of Ganeshotsav, a 10-day-long festival commencing on Ganesha Chaturthi. On this day, devotees not only bid adieu to Lord Ganesha but also worship Lord Vishnu in his Anant form. They observe a day-long fast and perform rituals with sacred threads to seek protection from life’s adversities.
Ganeshotsav Duration:
Ganeshotsav spans 10 days, commencing on Ganesha Chaturthi and concluding with grandeur on Anant Chaturdashi. Ganesh Visarjan, the immersion of Lord Ganesha’s idol, holds a significant place within this festival.
Procession and Chanting:
On the 11th day, known as Anant Chaturdashi, devotees immerse Lord Ganesha’s idol in a water body, ideally a river, lake, or sea. This ritual is preceded by a magnificent procession through the streets, with devotees enthusiastically chanting slogans like “Ganapati Bappa Morya” and “Ganesh Maharaj Ki Jai.” In Mumbai, Ganpati Mandals organize and lead these processions, featuring traditional instruments such as Dhol and Tasha. The Visarjan ceremonies often continue throughout the night, culminating the next morning.
Alternative Immersion:
Some families uphold their distinct traditions by conducting Ganesh Visarjan on the 3rd, 5th, or 7th day post-Ganesha Chaturthi. During these ceremonies, the idol of Lord Ganesha can be immersed in a tub or bucket of water.
In essence, Ganesh Visarjan, or Ganesha idol immersion, stands as a significant element of the Ganeshotsav festival. It can occur on diverse days, with the most prominent being Anant Chaturdashi, the 11th day post-Ganesha Chaturthi. Various families and regions may follow their unique customs and practices in carrying out this sacred ritual.
