Ganesh Chaturthi Puja: Guide to 16 Ritual Steps

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, marking the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. The festival is observed with grand processions, decorated idols, devotional songs, and special puja rituals across India, especially in Maharashtra. The puja involves the "Shodashopachara," which refers to 16 traditional steps of worship dedicated to honoring Lord Ganesha with utmost devotion and reverence.

The rituals include offering water, flowers, incense, food, and prayers to the deity, each step symbolizing purity, respect, and surrender to divine blessings. Devotees chant mantras, perform aarti, and present prasad, often modaks, which are believed to be Ganesha’s favorite sweet. These rituals not only hold religious significance but also bring families and communities together in devotion, spreading messages of faith, unity, and prosperity.