Vinayaka Chaviti (Ganesh Chaturthi)

‘Nature’ Worship

Ganesh Pooja involves worshipping nature.

Consider the facts: Various leaves, flowers having medicinal properties are used as offerings to Vinayaka. His carrier, is a mouse. His trunk resembles a granary, his single tusk is like a farmer's plough and the snake around his waist is considered a protection to the granary from rats.

As everything belonging to him resembles some aspect of nature, it is believed that worshipping him is equivalent to worshipping nature.

Many believe that the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi festival promotes health indirectly, as the leaves and fruits of some medicinal plants offered to Ganesh are grown in the house, which in turn promote health. Further, as oil is not used in the food preparations for the festival, healthy food habits are encouraged. Even the sweets are made from molasses - a known ingredient in Ayurveda that helps in detoxifying the human body.