Vinayaka Chaturthi
        Vinayaka Chaturthi is the festival of Ganesha’s Jayanti, or appearance in the world. The celebration begins on the fourth day (caturthi) of the bright lunar fortnight of the month of Sravana (Tamil month Avani), which usually falls between August 15th and September 15th. Depending on local traditions, the festival will go on for three, five, seven, or nine days after the Caturthi day. Vinayaka Caturthi is celebrated throughout India.
        A common tradition is to worship an image of Ganapati made of clay for the duration of the festival. At the conclusion, the image is taken to a nearby body of water and ceremoniously immersed (visarjan). The word “Vinayaka” means “One who has no Superior.” He is the older son of Siva and Parvati. His younger brother is Subramaniya Swami. The words “Ganesha” and “Ganapati” refer to his position as the leader of Siva’s supporters (gana). The worship of Ganesha on Vinayaka Caturthi is considered to bring success in all undertakings, especially in learning.
         At our Temple, we celebrate Vinayaka Caturthi on the Sukla Caturthi day with a homa, ritual bathing of the image (abhishekam) and the recitation of his thousand names (sahasranama archana). We continue the celebration each day until the following Saturday with daily abhishekams and sahasranama archanas. On Saturday, after the regular abhishekam, we conduct a Vidya Ganapati Puja.
        Shilpies (artisans) from India build an image of Ganesha in clay and decorate it for this puja. Guided by the priests, children (ages four and above) perform Ganapati puja to a small Ganesha image. After the arati, the children help pull a chariot carrying the clay Ganesha image to the pond on the south side of the Temple grounds. The procession is accompanied by devotees singing bhajans and devotional chanting about Ganesha. Upon reaching the pond, the priests perform puja and then immerse the Ganesha image in the pond.