Anant Chaturdashi 2004

On the Chaturdashi of the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada, in late monsoon — the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight, ten days after Ganesh Chaturthi. For this year's date, see the date shown above.

A cotton or silk thread coloured with turmeric and tied with fourteen knots, worn on the arm after the puja as a pledge of Ananta's protection. In common custom men tie it on the right arm and women on the left, and the previous year's thread is removed first.

Anant Chaturdashi is the tenth and final day of Ganeshotsav, which begins on Ganesh Chaturthi. The installed Ganesha idol is carried in procession and immersed, with the prayer that he return the next year.

Ananta — Vishnu in his endless aspect, reclining on the serpent Shesha. The vrat and the fourteen-knot thread both honour the boundless one who upholds the fourteen worlds.