Ganesh Chaturthi 2010 Celebrations Take Shape Today

Ganesh Chaturthi 2010 finally begins. After so much preparation and prayers, the elephant God has come down to the earth to visit his devotees again and hence, starts the Ganesh Chaturthi 2010 celebrations. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. The scene of Ganesh Chaturthi festival is something to watch for in Maharashtra, where the elephant God or Lord Ganesha has the maximum devotees.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2010?

Ganesh Chaturthi 2010 or Vinayaka Chaturthi 2010 falls today, on this auspicious Saturday i.e. 11^th September 2010. This is the very day, little Lord Ganesha was born. Lord Vinayaka, as the deity is often called, is worshipped by his followers as the God of Wisdom, Good Fortune and Prosperity. The preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi 2010 began several days ago with the building of pandals for the grand Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav.  Even the shops were well stocked months ahead with the necessary items required for this big celebration. The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is a 10 day long festival which concludes on Anant Chaturdashi.

Ganesh Chaturthi festival in different parts of India

Though, the Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated with the greatest pomp and show in Maharashtra, the other parts of the country also do not stay far behind. Ganesh Chaturthi festival is also celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat. The deity idols for the Maharashtra Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are mostly sourced from a place called Pen located in Raigad district.

Ganesh Chaturthi rituals

The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations reach its peak in the evening. The devotees clean their homes and gather in the Ganapati temples, clad in their new clothes and with offerings in their hands, for the Lord. The Ganesh pooja is usually done with mango leaves, marigold flowers and areca nuts. Lord Ganapati or Lord Ganesha is offered fresh fruits like bananas and apples and sweets like “modak”. The priest chants Vedic hymns to welcome the Lord and offer prayers to Him. On the 11^th day, the Ganesha idol is taken for immersion in the sea or the river. This is followed by a huge procession. It is accompanied by singing and dancing with drum beats with the screams of "Ganapathi Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya".

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Eid al Fitr 2010 Marks the Grand Ending of Ramadan

Time for greeting each other Happy Eid al Fitr 2010! The 30 days fasting which started from August 11 finally came to a grand conclusion on September 9, 2010. The Eid al Fitr or Eid ul Fitr 2010 marks the ending of the auspicious Ramadan amongst the Islamic devotees. “Id” or “Eid” is an Arabic word which means festivity and the word “Fitr” refers to breaking the fast. As the Holy Quran reads, Muslims need to conclude their fasting on Ramadan’s last day and then, they should recite “Allahu Akbar” or the “Takbir” for the entire period of Id ul Fitr.

When is Id ul Fitr 2010?

Eid al Fitr 2010 or Id ul Fitr 2010 falls on 10^th September 2010. People begin greeting each other as soon as the new moon is sighted. This is also the time, when they can finally break their fast.

Eid al Fitr celebrations

Id is one of the most popular festivals of India. This beautiful festival of the Muslims is glorified by a number of rituals. On the day of Id ul Fitr, the devotees wake up early in the morning, at dawn. Then, they perform the Salatul Fajr, which is a prayer offering ritual. After this early morning ritual, the devotees wash themselves in a ritualistic way called Gosul. Next, the men and women, young and old, every member of the Muslim family dress up in their newest best. Before attending the Salah or the Id ul Fitr prayer, the devotees break their fast with a sweet dish, which is typically a date fruit.

Eid al Fitr greetings

The Eid al Fitr 2010 brings on board the spirit of celebration yet again. On this joyous occasion, the Arabic greetings of “Id Mubarak” or “Blessed Id” fill the festive air. The Id gifts or “Eidi” are also exchanged amongst friends, families and acquaintances along with the Id ul Fitr greetings.

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