[[{“value”:”
With Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 approaching, devotees across India are filled with excitement to welcome Ganpati Bappa home. The festival, which marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, is celebrated with much fanfare in the country, and even by Indians living abroad.
This year, the festival will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 27, with the 10-day Ganeshotsav ending on Saturday, September 6 (Anant Chaturdashi).
One of the most common and significant traditions of the festival is installing an idol of Lord Ganesha at home and welcoming the deity with utmost devotion. People bring the idol home amid the chants of ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’, mantras and music, hoping that his arrival will bring prosperity and joy in their lives.
If you, too, are bringing Bappa home for the festival, here are some essential guidelines you need to know:
Dos
1. Clean house
Clean your house thoroughly before bringing the idol of Lord Ganesha home. Decorate the area where the idol will be placed with flowers and other items.
2. Check direction to install idol
Check the most auspicious direction to place the idol. This will enhance the spiritual energy of the home.
3. Cover idol before sthapna
It is customary to cover the idol with a red cloth while bringing Bappa home, especially if the idol is arriving before Ganesh Chaturthi.
4. Perform daily rituals
One should perform poojas and morning and evening aartis daily while the idol of Lord Ganesha is at home, to seek blessings and elevate the divine atmosphere.
Don’ts
1. Don’t place idol on floor
The idol of Lord Ganesha should never be placed on the floor, even temporarily. It should be installed on an elevated platform or pedestal covered with a cloth.
2. Don’t close door during sthapna
One should keep the main entrance of the house open during sthapna (installation) of the idol. This ensures that divine and positive energy flows into the house.
3. Don’t leave house empty
Do not leave the house unattended while Ganpati Bappa is at home. At least one member of the family needs to be at home, with the deity, at all times till visarjan.
4. Don’t consume certain foods
It is generally advised to avoid consuming onion and garlic or non-vegetarian food during Ganesh Chaturthi, and to prepare satvik food.
“}]]
