Ganesha Chaturthi: Ritual traditions and mythological significance

As preparations for Ganesha Chaturthi intensify, traditional practices regarding offerings and ritual items are being highlighted. According to religious texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, offerings (naivedya) made with devotion—including leaves, flowers, fruits, and water—can be removed and distributed as prasad after the puja and aarti are completed.

Regarding ritual restrictions, tradition dictates that Tulsi, while sacred to Vishnu and Krishna, is not used in Ganesha worship. This stems from a mythological account where Tulsi proposed marriage to Ganesha during his meditation. Upon his refusal due to his vow of celibacy, Tulsi cursed him to marry, and Ganesha countered by cursing her to marry an asura. Following her apology, Ganesha decreed that she would become the beloved of Lord Vishnu.