Hartalika Teej and Ganesh Chaturthi are being observed together on September 14, bringing a series of religious activities to Bhopal from morning through night. Women will observe a nirjala fast during the day, while Ganesh idols will be installed in homes and public pandals during the afternoon. In the evening, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati will be worshipped during the Pradosh period, followed by night-long जागरण and worship.
This year, due to the difference in tithis, Hartalika Teej and Ganesh Chaturthi are falling on the same day. Women observing Hartalika Teej will keep a nirjala fast and pray for the long life of their husbands and a happy married life.
Ganesh idols will be installed in homes and public pandals on Ganesh Chaturthi, marking the beginning of Ganesh festivities with prayers and rituals.
According to astrologers, the Tritiya tithi will continue until 7:06 AM on September 14, after which the Chaturthi tithi will begin. The auspicious time for installing Ganesh idols has been specified from 11:02 AM to 1:30 PM.
Ganesh idols will be installed according to rituals in homes and public pandals during this period. After the installation, prayers, aarti and offerings will be made to Lord Ganesha.
Hartalika Teej puja will be performed during the Pradosh period in the evening. After observing the nirjala fast throughout the day, women will worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This will be followed by night-long जागरण and worship.
Preparations for Ganesh Utsav have also been carried out across the city. More than 300 large Ganesh pandals have been decorated at different locations. In addition, more than 700 small tableaux and other events have been prepared.
The arrival of Ganpati Bappa had begun at several locations on Sunday morning. Ganesh idols will be installed according to rituals at the auspicious time on Monday.
Shops selling Ganesh idols have been set up in several areas, including TT Nagar, Jahangirabad, Jawahar Chowk, Kolar, Mangalwara and Barkheda Pathani. A large number of people purchased Ganesh idols for their homes and pandals on Sunday.
Major markets in the city witnessed crowds on Sunday ahead of Hartalika Teej. Women shopped for puja materials and items related to traditional adornment at New Market, Das Number and several other markets.
Bangles, mehendi, sarees and other adornment items were among the products drawing activity at shops. Women also purchased materials required for the fast and puja.
Rishi Panchami will be observed on September 15 after Hartalika Teej and Ganesh Chaturthi. The Saptarishis and Arundhati will be worshipped on the occasion.
Radha Ashtami will be observed on September 19. Religious festivals and events will therefore continue through September.
