Ganesh Chaturthi: Five Quick Facts to Tell Kids About the Festival

Hailed as Vighna Harta -remover of obstacles, Chaturbhuja -The God with Four Arms, Buddhipriya -Knowledge bestower to name a few, Lord Ganesha is addressed by his devotees with over 108 names. Lord Shiva hailed him as Prathameshwar -First among all gods, which means that any devotional activity or offering will always be sermonized by placing Lord Ganesha before and above other deities.

Lord Ganesha is also known as Ek Dant. As per Hindu mythology, the Lord fell off from his vahan -vehicle, the mooshik -mouse on seeing a snake. The Moon saw this and laughed at Ganesha who broke his tooth and hurled it at the moon in anger, cursing him. Despite the curse being undone, the omen about not looking at the moon has remained since then.

While in India, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, it is also observed across many countries in the world including Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, Nepal and even Afghanistan. Infact, Lord Ganesha's image is placed on Indonesian currency. Cambodia worships a deity by the name Prah Kenes. Unlike the Indian deity, this idol does not have a neck, head ornaments or a pot belly.

Then freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak popularized the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi as means to engage and create awareness among the general public against the British regime. In those days, Indians were forbidden to engage in large groups unless it served religious purposes. Tilak would urge people to erect large statues and put up hoardings across Mumbai, which instilled a deep sense of devotion and patriotism amongst fellow countrymen.

According to History, the first official celebration of the festival was observed during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. An idol of the god was hugely revered by the king and his family. The festival was celebrated with a lot of pomp and joy in the 1600s and was later followed by the succeeding Peshwas.

Its that time of the year when Indians across the world brace to welcome the presence of the elephant God into their homes. But many who observe the festival aren't' aware about the importance or its significance. Here are five fun facts to learn about Ganesh Chaturthi that can be imparted to kids as well.