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Priests have advised that the immersion should not be delayed beyond September 5 as the lunar eclipse will fall on September 7. This has disrupted the traditional schedule
Priests point out while eco-friendly idols help protect nature, following spiritual guidelines such as completing immersion before an eclipse remains equally important.
Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals, began on August 27. Traditionally, devotees install Lord Ganesha idols at home and in pandals, offering prayers for nine days before performing the grand Visarjan (idol immersion) ceremony. The immersion marks the symbolic return of Lord Ganesha to Mount Kailash, taking away devotees’ obstacles and misfortunes.
But this year, things are different. Priests have advised that the immersion should not be delayed beyond September 5 — even though the usual nine-day period would extend the celebrations further. The reason? A lunar eclipse falling on September 7 has disrupted the traditional schedule.
The Role Of The Lunar Eclipse
According to Hindu scriptures, certain celestial events, like eclipses, carry spiritual significance. During a lunar eclipse, it is believed that no auspicious rituals should be performed. Idols made or kept during this period are not considered sacred for worship.
Priests explain that if the Ganesh idols remain installed after the ninth day and the lunar eclipse begins, it is viewed as inauspicious. The correct practice, they say, is to immerse the idols before the eclipse starts. This year, with the lunar eclipse set to begin on the evening of September 6 and continue into September 7, devotees are being urged to complete the immersion on September 5 itself.
Changing Practices Over Time
In many places, especially urban areas, the tradition of immersion often stretches beyond nine days. Some communities extend celebrations to 11, 13, or even 21 days, depending on factors such as the availability of processions, DJs, and bands for the ‘visarjan’ celebrations.
But religious scholars warn against following convenience over tradition this year. “When such celestial events occur, rituals have to align with the scriptures,” explains priest Ramalingaiah Sharma. “Keeping the idol after the prescribed time, especially through an eclipse, is not recommended.”
Fixed vs. Movable Idols
There are two main types of Ganesha idols:
Fixed idols: Installed in temples permanently, these idols are cleansed, and special prayers are offered during eclipses, but they are not immersed.
Movable idols: These are the temporary idols installed in homes and pandals for Ganesh Chaturthi, which must be immersed at the end of the celebration period.
It is these movable idols that should not remain after the ninth day this year because of the eclipse.
Eco-Friendly Celebrations Gain Ground
In recent years, there has also been a shift towards eco-friendly clay idols instead of idols made with chemical paints and plaster of Paris. Devotees are increasingly aware of the environmental damage caused by immersing synthetic idols in water bodies.
Priests point out that while eco-friendly idols help protect nature, following spiritual guidelines — such as completing immersion before an eclipse — remains equally important.
The Bottom Line
So, while many devotees might be used to longer celebrations, this year calls for a change in plans. The advice from priests is clear:
- Perform Ganesh Visarjan by September 5.
- Do not delay the immersion beyond nine days due to the lunar eclipse on September 7.
By adhering to this, devotees can ensure that rituals remain both spiritually appropriate and environmentally conscious.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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