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Ganesh Chaturthi is complete after Uttara Puja and Visarjan, per scriptures. Keeping the idol at home for a year or delaying immersion out of superstition has no spiritual sanction
Whether or not there is a pregnant woman at home, the rituals must follow scriptural practices while also ensuring environmental safety. (Image: Instagram)
As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, homes across the country are preparing for one of the country’s most beloved festivals. The arrival of Lord Ganesha, seen as the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of prosperity, is marked with prayers, celebrations, and ultimately, the immersion of the idol in water bodies or specially arranged tanks.
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But alongside devotion, several myths and age-old customs continue to circulate. One belief, in particular, has puzzled many families: if there’s a pregnant woman at home, should the Ganesha idol be immersed at all? Some households claim that in such cases, the idol must be kept at home throughout the year for the well-being of the mother and unborn child.
So, what’s the truth? Does tradition actually demand this, and is there any scientific or spiritual reasoning behind it?
Astrologers Call It A Myth
Astrologer Shankar Patil addressed this long-held belief directly, dismissing it as baseless. “There is absolutely no connection between a pregnant woman in the house and the immersion of Lord Ganesha,” he said.
He explained that the rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi are complete only after Uttara Puja (a concluding ritual) and the Visarjan (immersion) as per scriptural tradition. Keeping the idol for a year or delaying immersion out of superstition, he stressed, has no spiritual sanction. “Such practices,” he said, “take away from the true meaning and purity of the festival.”
Environmental Concerns Around Immersion
Beyond this myth, other misconceptions have also crept into Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Traditionally, idols were immersed in rivers, lakes, or seas. But with lakhs of idols being immersed across India every year, water pollution has become a serious concern.
Environmentalists and government agencies now recommend clay idols that dissolve naturally and immersion in designated artificial tanks instead of natural water bodies. Many cities have already adopted eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav practices, encouraging families to celebrate without harming the environment.
Other Misconceptions Around The Festival
Another common belief is that after immersing the idol, one must immediately install a smaller Ganesha idol at home to “continue” the blessings. Experts point out that this has no scriptural or scientific backing either; the festival concludes with the immersion itself, and devotion is measured by sincerity, not by repeated rituals.
Similarly, the trend of adorning idols with heavy ornaments and extravagant decorations has also been criticised. The essence of Ganesh Chaturthi, spiritual leaders remind devotees, lies in simplicity, devotion, and living in harmony with nature—not in showmanship or grandeur.
The Real Spirit Of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, was popularised in the late 19th century by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who turned it into a public celebration to unite people against colonial rule. Over time, it has grown into a festival blending spirituality, community, and culture.
The real message, astrologers and environmentalists alike point out, lies in devotion free from fear and superstition. Whether or not there is a pregnant woman at home, the rituals must follow scriptural practices while also ensuring environmental safety.
As Patil puts it: “True blessings come from sincere prayers and responsible celebrations—not from myths that creep in over time.”
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Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, relationshi…Read More
Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, relationshi… Read More
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