Anant Chaturdashi: donations to make after Ganesh immersion to ease planetary doshas

After the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, the beloved deity is bid farewell on Anant Chaturdashi through Ganesh visarjan, the ritual immersion. According to religious belief, this immersion sees Lord Ganesha remove his devotees' sorrows and bless them with happiness and prosperity. Making certain donations after the immersion is considered auspicious, and is believed to bring Lord Ganesha's blessings through the year while reducing the effect of inauspicious planets in one's horoscope.

According to the Panchang, this year the Chaturdashi tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month begins at 11:18 pm on Thursday, September 24, and ends at 11:06 pm on September 25. Based on the udaya tithi, Anant Chaturdashi will be observed on Friday, September 25.

It is believed that donating green vegetables, seasonal fruits and betel leaves on Anant Chaturdashi is very auspicious for strengthening the planet Mercury. This is said to relieve planetary troubles and strengthen Mercury in one's horoscope.

If facing financial difficulty, it is advised to donate rice, moong dal or oil on the day of Ganesh visarjan. Khichdi can also be prepared and fed to those in need. This is believed to help complete stalled work.

To seek the blessings of the planet Venus, donating items such as flour, sugar and salt on Anant Chaturdashi is considered auspicious. This is said to bring Venus's grace and an increase in life's comforts and resources.

To fulfil one's wishes, there is a tradition of donating gram flour, chana dal, banana or papaya after the immersion of Ganpati. This is believed to help fulfil wishes.

On Anant Chaturdashi, there is a tradition of waking up early, bathing and wearing clean clothes. The home temple is cleaned and Lord Vishnu is worshipped with devotion. There is also a tradition of observing the Anant fast according to one's capacity and faith, with sattvic food and restraint to be followed during the fast.

On Anant Chaturdashi, the Anant Sutra with 14 knots is worshipped. These knots are believed to symbolise the 14 lokas. After the puja, men tie it on their right hand and women on their left. Chanting Lord Vishnu's name, the Vishnu Sahasranama or Vishnu mantras is considered auspicious on this day.

There is a tradition of donating food grains, clothes or essential items to those in need according to one's capacity, with the belief that donations should be made with devotion rather than for show. In families and mandals that immerse Ganpati idols on Anant Chaturdashi, there is a tradition of bidding farewell to the deity with aarti, prayers and devotion.

According to belief, this day should be spent in devotion, restraint and peace, so it is advised to avoid unnecessary arguments at home or with others. Importance is given to chanting the deity's name and religious conduct on this day, so there is a tradition of avoiding hurtful words or negative talk. While observing the Anant fast or Vishnu puja, it is advised to worship with a calm mind and follow the rituals according to family customs and traditions. As this is a religious day, it is also said that food should be cooked according to need to avoid wastage, and leftover food should be put to proper use.