In which month is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated

Ganesh Chaturthi is a major Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This typically corresponds to the months of August or September in the Gregorian calendar. Here's a detailed explanation:

 Bhadrapada Month:

- Hindu Lunar Calendar: Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada. Bhadrapada is the sixth month of the Hindu lunar calendar and is based on the cycles of the moon. The Shukla Paksha is the period following the new moon (Amavasya) leading up to the full moon (Purnima), and this is when Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated.

- August-September: According to the Western calendar, Ganesh Chaturthi generally falls towards the end of August or the beginning of September. The exact date varies each year as it is determined by the lunar cycle.

 Determination of the Date:

The exact date of Ganesh Chaturthi is determined by astrologers and priests based on the position of the moon. The fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada is considered an auspicious time to worship Lord Ganesha. This timing is believed to be particularly favorable for invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

 Duration of the Festival:

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for ten days, starting with the installation of Ganesha idols and ending with Ganesh Visarjan (immersion of the idols) on Anant Chaturdashi. The ten-day period is filled with prayers, rituals, and cultural events, culminating in the grand farewell of the deity.

 Regional Celebrations:

- Maharashtra: Ganesh Chaturthi is most prominently celebrated in Maharashtra, where it is a major public event. People install Ganesha idols in their homes and public places, and large processions are held during Visarjan.

- South India: In Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, the festival is also celebrated with great fervor, with similar traditions of idol installation and worship.

- Other States: The festival is observed in many other parts of India, including North India, Bengal, and Odisha, although Maharashtra remains the center of the celebrations.

The timing and observance of Ganesh Chaturthi are of great religious and cultural importance. During this period, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles.