Ganesh Puja: Inviting Joy, Prosperity and a Smooth Path to Wedded Bliss

Sacred rituals form the heart of traditional Hindu weddings, each ritual is imbued with deep spiritual meaning, and none more so than the Ganesh Puja. Performed as part of a Hindu Ceremony, this sacred ritual is a heartfelt invocation to Lord Ganesha, a Hindu god, the beloved elephant-headed deity known as the Remover of Obstacles.

A Ritual of Auspicious Beginnings

Traditionally held just after the groom’s grand entrance or Jaan, a joyous celebration in itself, the Ganesh Puja is traditionally performed by the bride’s parents. It marks the official start of the wedding rites, seeking Ganesha’s blessings to ensure the ceremony unfolds without hindrance and that the couple’s new life together is filled with prosperity, joy, and harmonious beginnings. This can also be performed by the couple, or both sets of parents.

At the heart of the ritual, a statue or image of Lord Ganesha is lovingly placed in the mandap (the ceremonial wedding altar), becoming a symbolic guardian of the space.

Sacred Elements of the Ganesh Puja

The ceremony includes a series of offerings and symbolic items, each resonating with spiritual significance:

• Dhoop stick or incense (Agarbatti)– Lit to purify the air and create a sacred, serene atmosphere.
• T-light or Diwo – lit to give light and remove darkness and evil forces.
• Sindhoor – Red sacred powder used to make a divine mark on deities and devotees, symbolising devotion and sanctity.
• Flower garland – Offered to Ganesha as a gesture of respect, love, and to invite divine blessings.

Traditionally, a priest guides the ritual with Vedic chants, including the Ganesh mantras, and offers heartfelt prayers. 

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You can watch a version of this sacred ceremony at the festival of Ganesh Chaturji (non-wedding) here on YouTube.

More Than a Tradition—A Spiritual Anchor

While many couples now blend cultures and customise their ceremonies, Ganesh Puja remains an essential ritual in many Hindu weddings, often performed in tandem with other traditional rites. It sets the tone for the ceremony, grounding it in reverence and love.

For couples honouring their Hindu heritage—or those wishing to incorporate meaningful traditions into a fusion wedding—Ganesh Puja offers a beautiful, spiritually rich moment to pause and seek blessings for the journey ahead.

Related: A multicultural festival wedding: S&N’s Glamping Wedding in the Garden of England

Including Ganesh Puja in a Celebrant-Led Ceremony

Sonal Dave, an expert in creating multi-cultural and interfaith ceremonies says “When couples ask me whether they can have a multicultural ceremony that respects both sides of the family, the answer is always yes. It just takes heart, intention, and creativity.”

Today’s weddings are as diverse and dynamic as the couples planning them. For those who wish to honour cultural traditions in a non-religious way, or bring together multiple heritages in a multi-faith celebration, working with an independent celebrant allows for complete freedom in shaping your ceremony.

Whether it’s:

• Adapting the Ganesh Puja with modern symbolism,
• Weaving in Vedic mantras alongside your own vows,
• Or creating a blended ritual to bring families of different faiths together —
  your celebrant can design a bespoke experience that pays homage to your roots while reflecting your values.

Independent celebrants are experts at blending the sacred with the personal. They can work with families to ensure meaningful rituals like Ganesh Puja are presented in a way that resonates with everyone present—regardless of their religious background.

Plan your perfect ceremony

Your wedding, your way. Whether you’re planning a traditional Hindu wedding or an interfaith fusion celebration, an independent celebrant can help you bring ancient rituals like Ganesh Puja to life in a way that feels personal and heartfelt.

Find your perfect celebrant to honour your traditions and celebrate your love, your way.
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Main image courtesy of Sonal Dave Celebrant