Mon Sep 16 20:53:33 UTC 2024: ## Anant Chaturdashi 2024: A Day of Farewell and Blessings

**New Delhi:** The auspicious Hindu festival of Anant Chaturdashi, marking the culmination of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, will be observed on September 17, 2024. This day holds special significance as it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and also sees the immersion of Lord Ganesha idols, bidding farewell to the elephant-headed deity.

The auspicious timing for the immersion of Ganesha idols, according to Drik Panchang, falls between 9:10 am and 1:47 pm on September 17th. The worship of Lord Vishnu on this day is considered highly auspicious and is said to bring prosperity and ward off misfortunes.

The day is also celebrated as the day of the “Anant Sutra,” a thread with 14 knots that symbolizes infinity and is tied to the right arm. This practice is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu, bestowing endless happiness and success.

According to the Vedic Panchang, the Anant Chaturdashi tithi commences on September 16, 2024, at 3:10 pm and concludes on September 17, 2024, at 11:44 am. The auspicious time for worship on September 17th is between 10:43 am and 11:15 am.

**Significance of the Festival:**

Anant Chaturdashi commemorates the end of Ganesh Chaturthi, a time when devotees celebrate the arrival of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The immersion of the idols marks the return of Ganesha to his celestial abode. The festival is also tied to the epic Mahabharata, where Lord Krishna advised the Pandavas to observe the Anant Chaturdashi fast during their period of hardship. This fast is believed to have brought them good fortune and ultimately victory in their battle against the Kauravas.

**Observing Anant Chaturdashi:**

Devotees traditionally wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes before observing a fast. They perform a special puja to Lord Vishnu, offering him flowers, fruits, and a special “Anant Sutra.” The 14-knotted thread is then tied to the right arm after the puja. The fast is broken in the evening after performing the puja.

The festival of Anant Chaturdashi is a reminder of the importance of faith, perseverance, and the divine power that can guide us through life’s challenges.

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