Bringing Bappa Home: Things To Keep In Mind

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Ganesh Chaturthi is to be celebrated on the 25th of August this year(2017). It is celebrated on the chaturthi divas of the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month according to the calendar the Hindu community follows.

People bring Ganpati Bappa home on Ganesh Chaturthi and worship the Lord.It is believed that the Lord himself visits the devotees and stays with them. If you are planning to bring Ganapati Bappa home this year, there are a few things you need to know. Read on to know more.

Muhurt To Bring Bappa Home

Most devotees bring Bappa home the day before Ganesh Chaturthi. If you plan to bring Ganapati home on the 24th, the shubh time is- 06.25 to 07.59. Labh time is- 12.41 to 14.14. The amrit time is- 14.14 to 15.48. You can also bring the idol home in the evening at 18.56 to 20.22.

The Stapana Muhurt

The stapana or installation of the idol of Lord Ganesha can be done on the 25th of August. The best time to do it is during the labh time at 07.59 to 09.33. Amrit time is also auspicious for the installation. The amrit time is- 09.33 to 11.07.

Pooja Muhurt

It is believed that Lord Ganesha was born in the afternoon. Therefore the madhyanana time is thought to be appropriate to perform the pooja. The muhurt to perform the pooja is 12.40 to 14.14.

The Duration Of Ganesh Chaturthi

The duration of the Ganesh Chaturthi differs from household to household. It depends upon the traditions and the beliefs of the family. It also depends upon the situation and the amount of time that a family can set aside for the celebrations.
Depending upon all the above considerations, Ganesha Chaturthi can be celebrated for a one and a half, three, five, seven or eleven days.

Treat Ganesha Like APerson

When you bring Bappa home, treat the idol like you would an esteemed guest. Offer the idol food at mealtimes. Also provide water to quench his thirst. It is best if the Bhog is prepared at home. You should make sure that you offer different food at each mealtime to provide some variety. Distribute the food as prasad to your friends, family and neighbours.

Treat Ganpati As AChild

Some devotees say that Lord Ganapati should be treated like you would a child. You may feed him the food you normally eat but make sure that it is not spicy. No non-vegetariandishes should be offered or prepared at home. Many avoid onion, garlic and mushroomstoo.

Do Not Keep Ganapati In The Dark

The pooja area where Ganapati is stationed should be well lit at all times. Make sure that you have a lit lamp in the pooja area throughout the period that Bappa is at home.

Aartis For Bappa

Make sure that you perform regular aartis along with the members of your household. There should be two aartis- one at dawn and the other at dusk.

When You Go Into Ganapati's Presence

When you go before Ganapati Bappa, make sure that you are clean and have taken a bath. Wear clean clothes and be neat. You should also have a clean mind and wear a smile.

Manners When In Front Of Bappa

When you stand in front of Bappa, make sure that you talk softly and use good language. Do not be angry or agitated. You must not drool or sneeze in front of Ganpati. Make sure that the area of the pooja is tranquil and peaceful.

Use Of wild Flowers

The scriptures dictate that Ganapati Bappa must be worshipped using sweet smelling flowers and leaves that are found in the wild. You can also use any flower that grows in your garden. You need not go out of your way to purchase exotic flowers and waste money.

The Condition Of The Idol

Bappa's idol should be whole at the time of the installation. When you go out to purchase a Ganpati idol, make sure that it is unbroken and doesn't have any cracks. You need to be careful while transporting it to your home too. The idol may develop cracks over the duration of the pooja but it is considered normal and acceptable.