“Anant Ambani Gifts 20-kg Gold Crown to Lalbaugcha Raja: Puja Timings, Fasting Rules, and Rituals.
Anant Ambani made a remarkable donation ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi by gifting a 20-kg gold crown to Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja. The crown, estimated to be worth around ₹15 crore, was crafted with intricate detail and adds to the grandeur of one of the most revered Ganesh idols in the city. Lalbaugcha Raja, also known as the “King of Lalbaug,” is famous for drawing massive crowds during Ganesh Chaturthi, which this year begins on September 7, 2024.
Anant Ambani’s association with the Lalbaugcha Raja committee spans over 15 years, during which he has regularly participated in the Ganeshotsav celebrations. In addition to donating the crown, he has supported various charitable initiatives, including donating 24 dialysis machines during the COVID-19 pandemic when the committee faced financial difficulties.
The first look of this year’s Lalbaugcha Raja was revealed to the public on September 5, 2024. Lord Ganesha was seen in elegant maroon attire, adorned with elaborate jewelry, including the newly donated gold crown, leaving devotees awestruck.
The darshan timings for Lalbaugcha Raja during Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 have been shared with the public. Devotees can visit the iconic mandal starting on September 7, with the festivities culminating in the grand immersion (visarjan) of the idol on September 16, 2024. The darshan and visarjan are expected to draw large crowds, with devotees eager to seek the blessings of the revered deity.
This year, as the festival begins, the Ambani family’s contribution to the festivities has enhanced the spiritual and social significance of the event. Through their foundation, the family has consistently supported healthcare initiatives linked to the Lalbaugcha Raja committee, cementing their longstanding bond with the city’s Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Puja Timings, Fasting Rules, and Rituals
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, is one of India’s most cherished festivals. This year, the celebrations begin on September 6, 2024, and will continue until September 17, 2024. Across the country, people honor Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, with great devotion. The festival involves bringing home Ganesha idols, offering prayers, sweets, and seeking his blessings for prosperity and good fortune. The festival concludes with a grand immersion of the idol (visarjan) on the day of Anant Chaturdashi.
Puja Timings for Ganesh Chaturthi 2024
The Chaturthi Tithi for welcoming Lord Ganesha starts on September 6 at 03:01 PM and will end on September 7 at 05:37 PM, according to Drik Panchang. For performing the most auspicious Ganesh Chaturthi puja, the puja muhurat is from 11:03 AM to 01:34 PM on September 7, 2024. During this period, devotees can perform the installation rituals and offer their prayers to Lord Ganesha, following the traditions of the festival.
Fasting Rules for Ganesh Chaturthi
During Ganesh Chaturthi, many devotees observe fasting as part of their rituals to show devotion and maintain purity. Here are the types of fasting observed during this festival:
1. Nirjal Fasting: A strict form of fasting where devotees abstain from both food and water throughout the day.
2. Phalahar Fasting: In this type of fasting, devotees consume fruits, nuts, and dairy products like milk and yogurt.
3. Satvik Fasting: Involves eating simple vegetarian foods, such as sabudana (tapioca pearls), fruits, vegetables, and nuts, avoiding heavy or spicy meals.
Fasting Guidelines
When observing the Ganesh Chaturthi fast, there are a few important guidelines to follow:
• The fast duration can be flexible based on health and personal preference. Some fast for the entire day, while others limit it to certain hours.
• Devotees must maintain both physical and mental purity. Engaging in negative thoughts or gossip should be avoided. Instead, focus on spiritual practices like prayer and chanting mantras.
• Non-vegetarian food is strictly avoided, and many devotees refrain from consuming onion and garlic during this period.
• Meals are prepared with minimal spices and oil. Common salt is often replaced with rock salt (sendha namak), which is considered pure for fasting purposes.
• For those observing Nirjal fast, it’s important to hydrate well before and after fasting by drinking plenty of water.
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations Across India
Ganesh Chaturthi is widely celebrated across India, with Maharashtra being the state where the festivities are most grand. Other states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu also see large-scale celebrations. Homes and public pandals are decorated with flowers and rangoli designs, and people sing religious hymns, dance to drumbeats, and prepare elaborate meals to offer as prasad.
The immersion (visarjan) marks the end of the festival, where Ganesha idols are taken in a grand procession through the streets and finally immersed in water bodies, symbolizing Lord Ganesha’s return to his divine abode.
As Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 approaches, devotees across India are preparing for a festival filled with joy, devotion, and vibrant celebrations.