Ganesha Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival which is celebrated to mark the birthday of Lord Ganesha

. Lord Ganesha is believed to be the god that bestows wisdom and prosperity. It is on this day that Lord Shiva declared that his son, Lord Ganesha is superior to all gods and shall be worshipped before any of the gods are worshipped. Thus,in India before starting good work it is said, Shree Ganesh Karo. This means that we are seeking the blessings of lord Ganesha for prosperity. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi usually lasts for about 10 12 days. These days usually fall in the period between August 19th and September 20th. According to the Hindu calendar it is celebrated in the month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon). The celebrations continue for 5 -12 days. Although the festival is celebrated in most parts of the country some where it is of special significance are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

In these parts of the country the festival is highly popular and the preparations begin months in advance. Idols of lord Ganesha are installed across streets and homes. These are beautifully decorated with most intrigue materials. The size of the idols may vary from 3/4th of an inch to more than 70 feet. In 2011, the biggest murthi was installed in Vishakapatnam which was over 70 feet tall. There are mandaps or pandals (large tents that are used for community gatherings) in every locality decorated with flowers lights of various shapes, sizes and colors. These can be personal, group based or society based. In some cases the decorations are according to a particular theme. The idols are made with precision and detail by specially skilled artisans.

Talking about the history of the festival, it is believed that the festival was celebrated in the state of Maharashtra by Chhrapati Shivaji Maharaj to promote nationalism and cultural harmony. During the Indian freedom struggle, the festivities were revivied by Lokmanya Tilak. It was a way to defy Britishers who had banned public assemblies. It was just a away to promote unity and national integration.

The celebrations go on for at most 10 days and on the 11th day, the idols are taken to a river or sea for being immersed as a final farewell. People dance and sing and celebrate with flowers and colors. People chant mantras and recitals with the most popular one being Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudhachya Varshi Laukar ya" (O lord Ganesha, come again early next year) in Maharashtra.

The main sweet dish that is made during this festival is Modak. It is a dumpling made up of rice flour which is stuffed with grated coconut, jaggery and lots of dry fruits. Modak is considered to be the favourite sweet of lord Ganesha that's why it is an important part of the celebration.

The festival is a great way of bonding and cultural harmony. People from all religions and castes are allowed to visit tents and seek blessings of lord Ganesha. Also many artists and small businessmen survive on these kind of festivals, thus proving to be a means of livelihood for them.

As the idol is immersed in water, people hope that lord Ganesha would bless them for the coming year and would return to their homes very soon.

by: Karann1986

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