Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day after the new moon in the waxing portion of the lunar fortnight of Bhadrapadaaya (usually in late August or early September).
One way to celebrate the festival is to meditate upon the 108 names of Lord Ganesha. Each of the 108 names evokes a specific quality, power or blessing that Ganesha showers upon us. Each recitation of the 108 names can begin with the seed mantra which is formulated around the word gam – the bijakshara for Ganesha.
Aum gam ganpataye Namah
The first twelve (of the 108) names of Ganesha are given below:
Aum Vishvaradaaya Namah
Salutations to the benefactor of the universe
Aum Vighneshaaya Namah
Salutations to the lord who governs obstacles
Aum Vishvachakshushey Namah
Salutations to the eye of the universe
Aum Jagatprahavey Namah
Salutations to the supreme creative source of the universe
Aum Hiranyaroopaaya Namah
Salutations to the one who is pure, dazzling, golden energy
Aum Sarvaatmaney Namah
Salutations to the all-pervading soul
Aum Gyaanaroopaaya Namah
Salutations to the one who is knowledge incarnate
Aum Jaganmanaaya Namah
Salutations to the one who is universal consciousness
Aum Oordhvaretasey Namah
Salutations to the one with ascending energies
Aum Mahaabaahavey Namah
Salutations to the one with the all-encompassing embrace
Aum Ameyaaya Namah
Salutations to the one who is infinite and immeasurable
Aum Amitavikramaaya Namah
Salutations to the one with unlimited prowess and valor
Happy Ganesha Chaturthi to all of you – may Lord Ganesha’s blessings always be with you! Please share Ganesha’s blessings with your friends and family!