Acclaimed as the Lord of good beginnings, the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of wisdom, success and prosperity, Lord Ganesh is like a universal God, worshipped by Hindus all over India. Every community has its key presiding deity; however, Ganesha is included in everybody’s prayers. So, there is not a day when he is not welcomed into our minds and homes. But around the corner is that one special time when he is celebrated gloriously, with pomp and splendor. Yes, Ganesh Chathurthi or GanpatiUtsav is here!
Every year, during this utsav, Lord Ganesh is welcomed into millions of homes. For 10 days, he is decked up beautifully in silks and flowers, and worshipped lovingly with all his favourite delicacies ranging from Modak to Ladoos.
Each morning, a cup of milk or curds, or better still, a cup of Panchamrut is offered to Him. Panchamrut Prasad is a must-have for most Indian rituals. It combines milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar – ingredients that denote prosperity and purity. Basil, which is the abode of Goddess Lakshmi, is also added to the Panchamrut to make it holier.