I have been hearing for a while about the correlation between Financial Planning and Lord Ganesha but hardly ever had time to delve deeper into the concept. It is just today while surfing through all the “Happy Ganesh Chaturthi” messages, it struck me: What are we actually wishing for on Ganesh Chaturthi? Is it only health, happiness and success? Yes and no. Yes, because like all festivals in India, on Ganesh Chaturthi we do wish “health, happiness and success” to each other’s families. However, on Ganesh Chaturthi, we wish way beyond “health, happiness and success”, we wish each other “financial” AND physical health, happiness and success along with peace and prosperity! Let me elaborate on the difference.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
Each lunar month according to the Hindu calendar is divided into 2 parts-the Shukla Paksha and the Krishna Paksha. One paksha is one fortnight. The fortnight from the new moon (Amavasya) to the full moon (Poornima) is called the Shukla Paksha. And Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the 4th day (Chaturthi) of Shukla Paksha in the Bhadro month according to the Hindu calendar.
Religiously speaking, the Shukla Paksha is considered auspicious and the Krishna Paksha is inauspicious. But ever wondered why was this rule set in the first place? This is because, the period from the new moon to the full moon is the period of positive energy, since the exposure of the moon increases by the day. Hence, Shukla Paksha is auspicious and not JUST a blind religious belief!
Ganesh Chaturthi and Financial Wellness:
With positivity, let us also understand why Ganesh Chaturthi means “financial” AND physical health, happiness and success along with peace and prosperity.
- Ears, Mouth, Head logic:
Lord Ganesha teaches you to listen a lot (with big ears) but speak less (small mouth) and think more (with a big head). This is true in all aspects of life, especially for financial planning wherein you need to listen to all advice and then analyse the same internally before investing!
- Big stomach, Calm eyes and a Smile:
Lord Ganesha symbolically has a large stomach to help you digest the volatility of the market but still remain calm with a smile on His face. His eyes are small but sharp which depicts serious concentration. Investing money and financial planning is as important as earning money. So, it needs to be done with full sincerity and concentration!
- Perseverance is the key: (despite the hardships)
If you know the original story of how Lord Ganesha has the elephant head, you will know that he has gone through a lot in life and yet he is successful as he has never given up! Persistence and continuity is the key in life and financial wellness refers to both!
- Interconnection between safekeeping and well-being:
The snake around Lord Ganesha’s stomach protects the wealth and financial prosperity without affecting it but sheds its skin from time to time. This also means that you need to protect your wealth but revisit the same from time to time so that you ensure its safekeeping and well-being!
- The reward of consistency and perseverance:
The modak, i.e. Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweet looks like a bag of money according to Devdutt Pattnaik. It is the reward of consistency and perseverance like Lord Ganesha. Again, it relates to the fact that you need to enjoy your wealth and not “JUST” invest it. Financial well-being is an important part of financial planning.
Image by wirestock on Freepik
All you need to do is keep the mouse (troubles) under control, or else it can create big havoc in your life and financial well-being!
Conclusion
So, Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a mere celebration, it is considered to be the start of financial wellness, a good beginning and the removal of all obstacles from life! More often than not, I have heard people saying, it’s my job to earn but someone else’s (in the family) to take care of the same! This is definitely not the right approach.
Financial planning is an overall family affair and it needs to be done in tandem with every member who is directly affected by the same! So, this Ganesh Chaturthi let us all pledge to take charge of our own financial planning so the journey towards financial independence begins!
Happy Ganesh Chaturthi everyone!
Featured Image Credits: Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik
