Anant Chaturdashi 2024: Date, Traditions, Significance

The arrival of Ganesh Ji during Ganesh Chaturthi is a joyful event for his devotees yet Anant Chaturdashi, which is also a revered Hindu festival, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. This day marks the ending ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival and returning of people favourite ganpati bappa back to his home. This festival also holds significant religious importance in Hindu culture along with other festivals.

Though it is the day of Ganesh Chaturthi ending the word used to denote this day is ‘Anant’ which means something that does not end. This term means endless or eternal, symbolizing the eternal nature of the divine, hence said as Anant Chaturdashi indicating that the lord is eternal in our heart and during this period the devotees are just bidding bey to meet again. This day is celebrated by performing Ganesh Visarjan which is submerging the Ganesh Idol in water symbolizing his temporary return to his home.

In 2024, Anant Chaturdashi Puja will be observed on Tuesday, September 17th, this date is determined based on the lunar calendar, making it vary slightly each year. The festival typically falls on the 14th day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which corresponds to August or September in the Gregorian calendar.

For a deeper understanding of Ganesh Chaturthi’s significance and its rich mythology read our blog:The Story Behind Ganesh Chaturthi: History, Significance

What is the Significance of Anant Chaturdashi

Anant Chaturdashi is generally connected with the Lord Ganesh idol visarjan yet it holds profound significance in Hinduism, both spiritually and culturally other than that. The festival is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Anant form, representing the infinite and eternal nature of the divine. It is believed that worshiping Lord Vishnu on this day brings blessings of prosperity, longevity, and protection from all forms of negativity.

Well, we all know this festival’s deep connection with Lord Ganapathi, as it marks the day when devotees bid farewell to the beloved elephant-headed deity after the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Along with Ananth Chaturthi, it is popularly called Ganesh Visarjan where the idols of Shree Ganesh Ji are immersed in water bodies symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution in the universe.

Legend of Related to Shree Ganesh Ji’s Anant Chaturdashi

The significance of Anant Chaturdashi is rooted in an ancient legend from Hindu culture, according to the story, there once lived a devoted woman named Sushila, who was married to a wise and virtuous sage named Kaundinya. Inspired by a ritual she witnessed she decided to observe the Anant Chaturdashi fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu in his Anant form and the rituals bring endless prosperity, happiness, and protection from all evils. Yet after tying the Anant Sutra and praying her husband Sage Kaundinya faced some problems misinterpreting in rage, he broke off the sacred thread and their misfortune multiplied. After great penance and atonement, they were blessed by Lord Vishnu himself with endless prosperity and happiness.

Another instance is of course regarding the Shree Ganesh Ji being created by sandalwood and mud by Parvathi, then being annihilated by Lord Shiva but being reborn again with a different and upgraded form. This 10-day festival symbolizes the journey of Lord Ganesha from the divine realm to the earthly world. The first day marks his arrival, where he is welcomed with grand festivities, and the final day, known as Anant Chaturdashi, signifies his return to the divine, where the idol is immersed in water, symbolizing the cycle of birth, life, and dissolution, and the belief that Ganesha will return the following year.

Traditions and Rituals of Anant Chaturdashi

• The Anant Chaturdashi fast, also known as the Anant Vrat, is observed by both men and women. Following all the rituals along with the Anant sutra usually made of silk or cotton and dyed in saffron color, having fourteen knots, symbolizing the fourteen worlds. This fasting is considered highly auspicious and it is believed that those who observe it with a pure heart are blessed with endless prosperity, protection, and divine grace, the devotees offer fruits, flowers, sweets, and other delicacies made to the deity, In some regions, devotees also prepare a special dish called “Anant Kadhi,” made from gram flour and curd, which is offered to Lord Vishnu and then shared among family members and devotees

• Anant Chaturdashi is synonymous with Ganesh Visarjan, which is the day when people’s favorite Ganpati Bappa is taken to his farewell procession for returning to his home Kailash. There is a grand procession that marks the immersion of Lord Ganesha’s idols in water many even performing Ganesh Visarjan at home. After ten days of worship during Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with great enthusiasm and devotion.

The idols are carried in elaborate processions, accompanied by singing Ganesh ki aarti, dancing, and chanting of devotional songs like “Ganpati Bappa Morya.” The immersion of the idols symbolizes the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution, reminding devotees that life is transient and that we should seek the eternal divine.

The Lord Ganesh Visarjan is both a moment of joy and sorrow, as devotees rejoice in the blessings received during Ganesh Chaturthi but also feel the sadness of parting with their beloved deity

Check out: Popular Ganesh Chaturthi Songs and Bhajans

So, on the occasion of Anant Chaturdashi, special prayers, and offerings are made to Ganpati Bappa and Lord Vishnu. Even though the greatest symbolism of Anant Chaturdashi is the end of Bappa’s stay on earth with his devotees and returning. The latter of a festival that beautifully encapsulates the themes of devotion, faith, and the eternal nature of the divine Lord Vishnu.

Both of them serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, humility, and devotion in the face of life’s challenges. The festival honors Lord Vishnu in his infinite form but also celebrates the auspicious conclusion of the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities with the grand Ganesh Visarjan.

In 2024, as devotees across India and the world celebrate Anant Chaturdashi, they will once again renew their faith in the infinite power of the divine, seeking blessings for prosperity, protection, and endless happiness. So, enjoy this year’s last day with lord Ganesh with some soulful Ganesh ji ki Aarti and songs and pray for his early arrival for the next year.