Vibrant hues, grand celebrations, zeal, fervour and enthusiasm. Descriptions that can be best used for most of the festivals celebrated in India. Festivals of every religion with unfettered passion and excitement are the true manifestation of the rich culture and traditions of our country. Each festival is celebrated on a grand scale and in different ways according to the diverse beliefs found in our country. Amongst all the festivals one of the most spectacular and which brings about such a massive turnout is Ganesh Chaturthi. Held annually in honour of Lord Ganesh, the son of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. The festival marks the birth of the beloved elephant-headed God normally held in late September or October. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated across different parts of the country for the celebrations in Mumbai.
Though a 10-day long festival, the preparation for the grand celebration start months in advance after the primary structure of bamboo and straw is assembled to give it the shape of the beloved God, clay is applied on it. This results in a long row of gigantic medium and small colourful idols of Lord Ganesh waiting to be taken into various huge temporary pandals as well as to private homes.
As per Hindu mythology Lord Ganesha is considered the “Vigna Harta” the one who removes all obstacles and the “ Buddhi Pradaayka” the one to bestow intelligence. He also stands as the symbol of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.
From the first day known as Bhadrapada Shudh Chaturthi through till the last day known as Ananta Chaturthi ,the Ganpati idol is worshipped with great devotion and strong belief. Small idols of Ganesha are taken to houses and big majestic ones are taken where they are installed in huge mandaps. These mandaps or tent-like temporary structures are decorated in different ways following various themes. With soaring chants and traditional drumbeats the deity arrives to the place, which would be his abode for the next few days.
There are four main rituals performed during Ganesh Chaturthi. “Pran pratishtha” –the process of infusing life of the deity into a murti or idol, “Shhoda shopa chara “-sixteen forms of paying tribute to the god, “Uttarpuja” - after which the idol can be shifted and lastly “Ganpati visarjan” –immersion of the idol in a river or the sea. Various types of sweets and garlands are offered to the Lord accompanied by the continuous chants of “Ganpati bappa Morya”. Modak – a Maharashtrian sweet, prepared using rice or flour stuffed with jaggery, grated coconuts and dried fruits is believed to be the favorite of Lord Ganpati. A plate containing 21 modaks (an auspicious number) is offered to the elephant-headed god.
Then arrives the day of the immersion or “Ganapati Visarjan”. The immersion is done with people shouting at the top of their voices and with utmost devotion and enthusiasm “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Purcha Varshi Laukariya” praying to the Vignaharta to come soon the next year.
A popular belief prevails among Hindus that change is the only constant in everything in the universe, however the energy remains and the immersion of the Ganesh idol in the water serves to be a reminder of this. The idol, decorated with flowers and fabrics is carried out of the mandaps amidst a huge procession of devotees carrying the lord with utmost respect and devotion, singing and dancing to the beat of drums all the way to be immersed in the water- praising the Lord and urging him to come early the next year. As the idol is immersed in the water the festival comes to an end.
Even though the beloved elephant-headed God Lord Ganesha comes to mark his presence on earth only for ten days he blesses his devotees with prosperity, fortune and wisdom. He leaves his devotees only to come back again the next year.
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