Ananta Chaturdashi

Ananta Chaturdashi, also known as Ganesh Chaudas, is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Ananta or infinite form.

In 2025, it will be observed on Friday, 6 September.

The festival is observed on Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.

Lord Vishnu, worshipped on this day in his serpent form Ananta or Shesha, is believed to bless devotees with freedom from sins and infinite prosperity. 

Ananta Chaturdashi also marks the final day of the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, when devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha.

Why is Ananta Chaturdashi Celebrated

Ananta Chaturdashi tells the tale of a devoted woman named Sushila, who once came across a gathering of women performing a ritual by the river in honor of Lord Ananta, the timeless incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

They explained to her that this ritual, called a vrata, brings protection, blessings, and great rewards.

They made an idol of Ananta using darbha grass, placed it in a basket, and worshipped it with flowers, lamps, incense, and food.

Sushila took part in the ritual and tied a sacred thread with 14 knots on her wrist, a symbol of her devotion.

Sushila later joined her husband, Sage Kaundinya, and together they moved to a city called Amaravati.

There, their life changed, they were welcomed warmly, became wealthy, and lived comfortably. However, when Kaundinya discovered the thread on Sushila's wrist and heard the reason behind their success, he became angry.

He believed his hard work brought them wealth, not any ritual. In frustration, he removed the thread from her wrist and burned it.

After that, everything fell apart. The couple lost their fortune, their home was ruined, and misery became their new reality.

Realizing his mistake, Kaundinya set out to find and apologize to Lord Ananta. He traveled far and wide, witnessing strange and symbolic sights along the way.

Finally, Lord Ananta revealed himself, disguised as an old Brahmin.

Kaundinya begged for forgiveness, and the Lord, after explaining the meaning behind the strange visions, forgave him.

He told Kaundinya to observe the Ananta Chaturdashi vow for fourteen years, promising him happiness and a place in the heavens.

From that time on, devotees observe Ananta Chaturdashi with faith, fasting, and prayer, believing it brings lasting protection, peace, and prosperity.

Celebrating Ananta Chaturdashi

 On this day, devotees perform special rituals to honor Lord Ananta, the eternal form of Vishnu, seeking his blessings for protection, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles.

A sacred thread with 14 knots, symbolizing infinity, is tied on the arm while chanting prayers and mantras dedicated to Lord Ananta.

This thread is considered a divine bond, representing a promise of devotion and righteousness.

The day often begins with a holy bath, followed by the preparation of traditional offerings like sweets, fruits, and flowers.

Families gather to perform the Ananta Puja at home or in temples, where stories of Lord Ananta's greatness are recited.

Many people observe fasts, refraining from grains and salt, as a sign of spiritual discipline and purity.

Devotees also draw an image of Ananta on a clean surface using natural colors, decorating it with turmeric, vermilion, and flowers as part of the ritual.

The celebration is not just a religious observance but also a reminder of the importance of faith, perseverance, and the eternal nature of divine blessings.

Whether observed quietly at home or with community gatherings, Ananta Jayanti inspires spiritual growth and a sense of inner peace among devotees.

Read Ganesh Chaturthi  next.