Ganapathi Puja is performed to remove the obstacles and bring the prosperity, happiness and fortune in a person's life. Ganapathi Puja is suggested to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganapathi who blessed victory and harmony. In Hindu Dharam, it is auspicious to worship Lord Ganesha in starting of any new venture or business and for any auspicious occasion/ Ceremony.
Ganapathi Puja is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Son of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvathi. He is called Ganesha, Vigneshwara, Vinayaka, Lambodar and Gan Nayaka. He known as who remove all the obstacles and problems from a person's life. It is believed that before starting anything new if Ganesha Puja/ Homam is done the venture would be successful and bring prosperity in person life.
In Hindu mythology books like RIGVEDAS, SKANDA PURANA, NARADA PURANA and BRAHMA VAIVARTA PURANA Ganesha is described as a obstacles remover " The VIGHNAHARTA". Their are shloka written to praise him. LORD SHIVA has given him boon that he (Ganesha) is always honoured / worshipped first in Hindu Vedic culture. He is connected with the concept of Buddhi (intellect), Siddhi ( Spiritual Power) and Riddhi (Prosperity) these qualities are illustrated as Goddess, Lord Ganesha's wives.
The large head (Elephant) of Ganesha represents the wisdom, Knowledge, understanding and intellect of a person. The wide mouth represents the natural human desires/ wants to have all comfort to enjoy the life in this world. The Trunk represents the Power of human mind, to face the up and down of life and also sensible for the emotional needs of a person.
Ganapathi Puja can be performed on Sankata Chaturthi, Ganesha Festive days, Wednesday and also before starting new venture.