Ganesh Chaturthi 2019 Fast: Here's everything you need to know if you are fasting

Ganesh Chaturthi marks as a holy day for the Hindus as it is the birthday of Lord Ganesh. Each year the day is celebrated during the month Bhadrapada with making or getting Ganesh Idols at one’s homes. It is a 10-day long festival where Lord Ganesh is presented with a feast of sweet and savoury foods. On the 11-th day, a Visarjan takes place where the idol is emersed in water.  It is believed by people that Lord Ganesha himself descends on Earth to bless his devotees on these days and any and everyone who worships the Lord during this time is certain to find success in whatever they endeavour.

To receive the Lord’s optimum blessing, many people fast during the festival. Devotees either fast for just the first day of the festival i.e Lord Ganesha’s birthday or they fast throughout the 10 days. The followers can either opt for a waterless fast aka nirjal vrat or a diet known as the phalahar vrat. Those who fast must commence the vrat at the dawn and fast till the evening. Others can carry on the fast throughout the day while completing it with prasad and milk. It is believed that those who fas during these auspicious days are blessed with health, wealth and prosperity. 

Permitted food items:

Devotees can eat Sabudana, potatoes or even sweet potatoes. A variety of fruits are also in the list of permitted fast items. Tea or coffee can be consumed throughout the day with sweets including til ka laddoo (sesame sweetmeat), Gajak and Rewari (sweets made of sesame and jaggery). 

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How is it that you celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi? Let us know in the comments section below.