Ganesh Visarjan also known as Anant Chaturdashi is celebrated as the culmination of the 10-day Ganesh Utsav festival. Followers believe on this day, Lord Ganesha returns to Mount Kailash carrying sadness, prosperity, and wisdom. Anant Chaturdashi is the day when devotees bid adieu to Ganesha by immersing his idol in water.
In 2025, the final Ganesh visarjan will take place on Sunday, September 6. It is one of the most emotional and spiritual parts of Ganesh Utsav, and it marks the farewell of Lord Ganesha from our homes.
Why is Ganapati's idol dipped three times?
Before the idol is fully immersed, it’s dipped three times in water, which symbolises three key elements: the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution. This act also serves as a way to show respect to the divine before the idol returns to the five elements of nature.
Position of Lord Ganesha before leaving the home
When carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha for visarjan, it is important to ensure that Lord Ganapati faces the home one last time. This gesture symbolises bidding him farewell, blessing the household, and assuring devotees that he will return next year.
Rituals and essential items
The visarjan begins with the Uttarang Puja, where devotees present flowers, fruits, incense, and sweets to Lord Ganesha. Key offerings like a coconut or betel nut wrapped in turmeric, along with rice and a red cloth, are arranged at the prayer spot. These items are seen as symbols of good luck and prosperity. Before stepping out of the house, a spoonful of curd is offered to Lord Ganesha, representing sweetness, tranquility, and peace in life.
Final prayers and wishes
Devotees often turn to Lord Ganesha, seeking his forgiveness for any missteps made during the festival. They pray for wisdom, success, and the removal of obstacles before saying their goodbyes. With heartfelt devotion, they chant, “Ganapati bappa morya, pudchya varshi lavkar ya,” expressing their hope for his quick return next year.
Lord Ganesha | X/ Suresh Raina
Respectful immersion
The idol is carefully placed in water, ensuring that it’s done in an eco-friendly way. This act of immersion represents the return of divine energy to nature, reminding devotees of the everlasting cycle of life. Ganesh visarjan isn't just a farewell; it's a heartfelt celebration brimming with gratitude, humility, and hope, keeping the spirit of Lord Ganesha's return alive.
