 |
|
Ganesh Chaturthi is the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesh. Ganesh is the god of wisdom and prosperity and is invoked before the beginning of any auspicious work by the Hindus. He has the head of an elephant on which is perched a dainty tiara, four podgy hands joined to a sizeable belly with each hand holding its own symbolic object. Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is celebrated all across India and is the biggest festival in Maharashtra. Ladoos (sweets) are distributed, milk is offered to idols of Lord Ganeshji at home and at temples, and worshippers visit Ganeshji temples for Ganesh Puja. |
|
|
|
Ganesh is the elephant headed son of Shiva and Parvathi. Ganesh is believed to be the harbinger of good luck who removes all obstacles to success. Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is a ten-day festival begining with the installation of the deity, who is then worshipped daily till the immersion on the final day. Aaarthis are performed everyday and kumkum thrown over the seated Ganesh idol when it is kept at home. It is customary to make 'Naivedya' or offerings of twenty one blades of grass Kewra (pandanus buds) a lotus flower, fruits and sweets, specially twenty one pieces of modaks made of rice flour and filled with jaggery; before him. After the ritual worship it is distributed as 'Prasad' (sacred food) to everyone present.
On the tenth day, serpentine processions fill the streets and with the accompaniment of drumbeats and music the image of Ganesh is immersed in the water. Devotees chant 'Ganapati Bappa Morya' which means Ganesh, Daddy, please come back soon next year. The idol should not be kept after this day, as it is considered inauspicious.
Ganesha-Visarjan which means immersion of Ganesha is as popular as the festival proper. During the immersion ceremony huge crowds move in a procession carrying idols of Ganesha towards the places of immersion. These processions which take place with great fanfare, begins in the afternoon and continue till the late hours of the night. Although this festival is observed in all parts of the country, it is celebrated with maximum fervour in Maharashtra where it is celebrated both publicly and privately. Apart from the small idols of Ganesha that are installed in various houses, there are also many public celebrations called Sarvajanik Ganeshotsava.
Although Ganesh worship was performed from time immemorial it was Lok Manya Bal Gangadhar Tilak who was responsible for making Ganesh utsav into a public celebration. A cultural feast is held to coincide with Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra especially at Pune. Classical dance, music performances, poetry recitations, folk dances, theatre and film festival are the main features of this festival. |
|
|
Save as Bookmark
Send this Page to Friend.
