Anant Chaturdashi is a special festival that honours Lord Vishnu and holds great importance for both Hindus and Jains. It falls on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, usually in September. (Image: File Pic)
The day also marks the conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi, when devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with grand immersion ceremonies. (Image: Canva)
The festival is known for its deep spiritual significance as well as its joyous rituals. On this day, people observe fasting, worship Lord Vishnu in his eternal form known as Anant, and pray for protection, prosperity and peace in their families. (Image: Canva)
This year, Anant Chaturdashi will be celebrated on Saturday, September 6. (Image: AI-Generated)
Stories from Hindu mythology explain why this day is celebrated with such devotion. One well-known tale connects it to the Pandavas during their 12-year exile. After losing their kingdom to the Kauravas in a game of dice, they faced immense suffering. (Image: AI-Generated)
Yudhisthira, the eldest Pandava, sought advice from Lord Krishna, who told him to observe the Anant Vrat, a fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu. By doing so with full faith, the Pandavas were able to overcome difficulties and eventually regain their lost kingdom. (Image: AI-Generated)
Another legend involves sage Kaundinya and his wife Sushila. Sushila learned about the significance of worshipping Lord Anant and tied a sacred thread with 14 knots on her arm during the fast. Kaundinya, however, did not believe in the ritual and threw the thread into the fire. Soon after, misfortune struck and the couple lost their wealth. Realising his mistake, Kaundinya performed severe penance to seek forgiveness. Eventually, Lord Vishnu appeared and instructed him to observe the Anant Vrat for 14 years to regain prosperity. (Image: AI-Generated)
The immersion of Ganesh idols, or Ganesh Visarjan, also takes place on this day, bringing an emotional yet festive close to the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The farewell symbolises the cycle of life, welcoming the divine, receiving blessings, and then letting go with the hope of meeting again next year. (Image: Canva)
