While we are all celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in the month of Bhadrapada, there is another festival - Ganesha Jayanti which is celebrated much in the same way int he month of Magha. Both the festivals fall on the fourth day of the waxing moon. India being an agricultural land, all the festivals have a relation with the cultivation seasons. Ganesh Chaturthi marks the start of the new vegetation - Kharif, and the Ganesha Jayanti marks the start of the other season - Rabi.
In addition to the Ganesha Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi, a their important season for the Ganesha devotees was established recently in 1985 as a Hindu alternate to Christmas and Jewish Hannukah in the month of December. The festival known as Pancha Ganapati is celebrated from December 21 to December 25. The festival was initiated by Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (born Robert Hansen), a Western convert to Hinduism who founded the magazine Hinduism Today and the Saiva Siddhanta Church, headquartered in Hawaii.
During each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati, the entire family focus on a special spiritual discipline, or, sadhana. Because of the festival’s importance as a new beginning and mending of all past mistakes, a shrine is created in the main living room of the home and decorated in the spirit of this festive occasion. At the center is placed a large wooden or bronze five-faced statue of Lord Pancha Ganapati.
Lord Ganesha is often depicted as coming from the forest; therefore, pine boughs (or banana leaves) may be used. Flashing lights, tinsel and colorful hanging ornaments may also be added. Each morning the children dress or decorate Ganesha in a different color: golden yellow on December 21, then royal blue, ruby red, emerald green and finally brilliant orange. These are the colors of His five powers, or shaktis.
December 21 (Golden Yellow)
The family sadhana for the first day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among immediate family members. The family sits together for the purpose of easing any strained relationships that have arisen during the year. They make amends one with another for misdeeds performed, insults given, mental pain and injuries caused and suffered. When forgiveness is offered to all by one and all, they speak of each other’s good qualities and resolve that in the days ahead they will remember the futility of trying to change others and the practicality changing one’s self to be the silent example for all to witness. Gifts are then exchanged and placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.As the family writes on the doorstep, they pray for well being in the house.
December 22 (Royal Blue)
Day two is devoted to creating a vibration of love and harmony among neighbors, relatives and close friends and presenting them with heartfelt gifts. The sadhana of the day is to offer apologies and clear up any misunderstandings that exist. Relatives and friends in far-off places are written to or called, forgiveness is sought, apologies made and tensions released.
December 23 (Ruby Red)
The sadhana for the third day is to create a vibration of love and harmony among business associates, the casual merchant and the public at large. This is the day for presenting gifts to fellow workers and customers and to honor employers and employees with gifts and appreciation. The sadhana today is the settling of all debts and disputes.
December 24 (Emerald Green)
The sadhana of day four is to draw forth the vibration of joy and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and the dance. Family, relatives and friends gather for satsang to share and enjoy their artistic gifts. Then all sit together before Ganesha, Patron of Arts and Guardian of Culture, discussing Hindu dharma and making plans to bring more cultural refinements into the home.
December 25 (Brilliant Orange)
The family sadhana for the final day is to bring forth love and harmony within all three worlds. Because of sadhanas well performed during the first four days, the family is now more open and aware of Ganesha’s grace, and their love for Him is now overflowing. On this day the entire family experiences an outpouring of love and tranquility from the great God Himself. His blessings fill the home and the hearts of everyone within it, inspiring them anew for the coming year.
In addition to the Ganesha Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi, a their important season for the Ganesha devotees was established recently in 1985 as a Hindu alternate to Christmas and Jewish Hannukah in the month of December. The festival known as Pancha Ganapati is celebrated from December 21 to December 25. The festival was initiated by Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (born Robert Hansen), a Western convert to Hinduism who founded the magazine Hinduism Today and the Saiva Siddhanta Church, headquartered in Hawaii.
During each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati, the entire family focus on a special spiritual discipline, or, sadhana. Because of the festival’s importance as a new beginning and mending of all past mistakes, a shrine is created in the main living room of the home and decorated in the spirit of this festive occasion. At the center is placed a large wooden or bronze five-faced statue of Lord Pancha Ganapati.
December 21 (Golden Yellow)
The family sadhana for the first day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among immediate family members. The family sits together for the purpose of easing any strained relationships that have arisen during the year. They make amends one with another for misdeeds performed, insults given, mental pain and injuries caused and suffered. When forgiveness is offered to all by one and all, they speak of each other’s good qualities and resolve that in the days ahead they will remember the futility of trying to change others and the practicality changing one’s self to be the silent example for all to witness. Gifts are then exchanged and placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.As the family writes on the doorstep, they pray for well being in the house.
December 22 (Royal Blue)
Day two is devoted to creating a vibration of love and harmony among neighbors, relatives and close friends and presenting them with heartfelt gifts. The sadhana of the day is to offer apologies and clear up any misunderstandings that exist. Relatives and friends in far-off places are written to or called, forgiveness is sought, apologies made and tensions released.
December 23 (Ruby Red)
The sadhana for the third day is to create a vibration of love and harmony among business associates, the casual merchant and the public at large. This is the day for presenting gifts to fellow workers and customers and to honor employers and employees with gifts and appreciation. The sadhana today is the settling of all debts and disputes.
December 24 (Emerald Green)
The sadhana of day four is to draw forth the vibration of joy and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and the dance. Family, relatives and friends gather for satsang to share and enjoy their artistic gifts. Then all sit together before Ganesha, Patron of Arts and Guardian of Culture, discussing Hindu dharma and making plans to bring more cultural refinements into the home.
December 25 (Brilliant Orange)
The family sadhana for the final day is to bring forth love and harmony within all three worlds. Because of sadhanas well performed during the first four days, the family is now more open and aware of Ganesha’s grace, and their love for Him is now overflowing. On this day the entire family experiences an outpouring of love and tranquility from the great God Himself. His blessings fill the home and the hearts of everyone within it, inspiring them anew for the coming year.
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