September 18, 2012
Ganesh Chaturthi is the festival
celebrating the birth of elephant headed deity, Ganehsa. Ganesha (also known as
Ganapati, Lambodara) is a deity governing the obstacles and wisdom. The deity
has a very significant place in any rituals that are done in India. Before
starting any new venture, it has been the tradition to do puja of Ganehsa.
Ganesha would save from obstacles.
The festival of Ganesha falls in the
month of September usually, in the month of Bhadrapad according to Hindu
calendar. It is celebrated on the fourth
day (Chaturthi) of the waxing moon period. The celebration lasts for ten days
maximum culminating on the eleventh day as Ananth Chaturdashi. Idol of Ganesha
would be installed on the first day followed by puja. Earlier people used to
install clay idols. Now, plaster of Paris idols are available. People buy the
idols from the local artisans. Every day puja would be done to Ganesha as long
as he stays. Some keep him for two, some other for four days. On the decided
day the idol would be immersed in water.
Ganesha idols would be installed privately at homes, or, by forming into
groups one may install Ganesha in public. The freedom fighter ‘Balagangadhar
Tilak’ started community processions during Ganesha festival to spread the
sense of unity among Indians. People would form into different groups and
install their community Ganesha. They would arrange entertainment program on
each day. The Ganesha idol would be immersed by taking a procession.
Ganesha is known as Goddess Parvati’s
creation. Stories tell that he is fond of sweets, especially dumplings
(‘Modak). So, Modaks would be prepared at homes to appease the deity. Ganesha
would be installed in a ‘Mantap’ (on a small stage). The mantaps would be
decorated with flowers and lighting. Ganesha idols in various sizes would be
installed. On the day of installation (on Chaturthi), it is said that one
should not look at moon. Even outside the country this festival is celebrated
with great enthusiasm. There is a need to create awareness among the devotees
about the eco friendly idols of Ganesha since the plaster of Paris idols are
not environment friendly and the idols should not be immersed in public wells
that are used for drinking purpose.
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