Ananta Caturdaśī 2004

Ananta Caturdaśī falls on the fourteenth day of Bhādrapada's bright fortnight and carries twin significances: it is the day of Ananta Vrata (a vow of devotion to Lord Viṣṇu in his infinite, serpentine form) and it is the final day of the ten-day Gaṇeśa Caturthī festival, marked by the public immersion of Gaṇeśa idols.

The Ananta Vrata is one of the oldest thread-rites in Hindu tradition. Devotees tie a 14-knotted thread of yellow silk or cotton (the ananta-sūtra) around their right wrist (men) or left wrist (women). The number 14 represents the fourteen worlds (lokas). Lord Viṣṇu, the Ananta (the infinite one), is propitiated through this vow maintained for 14 consecutive years. The Mahābhārata records that Kṛṣṇa advised Yudhiṣṭhira to observe this vrata to reclaim his lost kingdom.

Across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, this is the most emotionally charged day of Gaṇeśa Caturthī. Processions carry clay Gaṇeśa idols to rivers, lakes, and the sea for visarjana (immersion) to the chant of "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudchya Varshi Laukar Yaa" (Beloved Gaṇeśa, return again next year).