Ganesh Chaturthi

Bharat… It is believed that every 50-100 kms the dialect and culture changes here. In our tradition almost all days have some significance, although some are celebrated with more fervor than the rest, depending on the region where you hail from. The main objective behind celebration and festivities was to celebrate life and its existence, to move our focus from the outside world to a deep world within ourselves in a homogeneous and collective manner.

The most revered festival in my region is Ganesh Chaturthi. This festival worships the elephant God, which is symbolic of wisdom, fortune, success and luck.

A month before the festivities the body is prepared for the occasion by consumption of only pure satvik food. This food increases the prana and positivity within ourselves. Various ceremonies are performed a few days prior to the festival. The house is decorated and special seat for the idol along with Matoli consisting of various fruits and herbs is prepared.

On the day of the festival the idol is brought home with great reverence and Puja and offerings are done along with singing of bhajans and folk dances. Special food items are prepared and offered to the deity. This is a way of thanking the almighty for all that he has made available to us in the form of food, medicines etc.

This is a festival wherein all the family members irrespective of being located in various states / countries come together in the ancestral home. It is like a grand gathering which happens once a year celebrating the occasion.

As per your wish you can keep the idol for a maximum of 21 days. On the last day immersion procession is carried out with great pomp and gaiety.

This festival reminds us of our temporary existence on this planet. It reminds us to honour our life and initiate a journey inwards. Ultimately it reminds us that death is inevitable and we all need to go back to the earth where we originate from. Such profound knowledge imparted in just a festival is a very brilliant method conceived by our ancestors and carried forward in the tradition.

Thus, we take leave from the idol saying ” Ganapati bappa morya, fudchya varshi Lavkar ya” thus meaning “praises to you as you leave and hope to seen you soon the next year “.

Signifying the ultimate reality of death in all our lives. Leaving behind bitter sweet memories.

What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

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