The most celebrated period with many festivals is the months of August and September. Among the festivals during this period Ganesh Chathurthi is celebrated with much grandeur and festivities. Yummy eatables ,decorated grand idols of ganesha ,pooja pandals with distribution of prasadam, are just a few of the activities that go in making this Hindu festival one of the most enjoyable.
Preparations for the pandals which house the Ganesha idols start much before the actual festivities. Craftsmen begin preparing clay idols of various sizes. They paint them and add all the creative ideas to make idols look as pious as possible. As the Hindu legend goes, Lord Ganesha was mocked at by the moon and in his fit of anger Ganesha, cut one of his tusks and flung it at the moon. This is the reason why we see half a tusk on Ganesha’s nostril. As Ganesha is known to be fond of eatables, devotees prepare a lot of delicacies to enjoy the occasion. They prepare modaks, chakkuli and unde.
The best way for devotees to enjoy Ganesh Chathurthi is by having social gatherings by collecting huge sums of money. People put up huge pandals and perform pujas in the presence of many devotees.They distribute prasadam and bless the gathering with aarathi. This kind of celebration not only serves the devotee’s need for heavenly abode but also satisfies the need for social meetings and renewing friendships.
In metros and cities, Ganesh Chathurthi festival lasts for over a week with a grand finale on the last day. Mumbai is known to celebrate Chathurthi in one of the grandest ways with lakhs of rupees sepnt on each pandal. Preparations begin well in advance for this. In smaller towns, however, celebrations are similar but on a smaller scale. In Manipal for example preparations begin by the well-known Syndicate bank conducting the children’s Ganesha drawing competition for all age groups. The Ganesha paintings are judged by eminent persons and prizes are distributed. Later, the paintings are displayed on the walls for public viewing with prominence given to prize winners. Other locations around Manipal also put up pandals and have grand aarathis.
On the domestic front people celebrate Ganesha festival by worshipping the decorated idol at home and preparing. They prepare delicacies and use this occasion to meet family and friends. This becomes a time to also exchange gifts and pleasantries. Ganesh chathurthi among other festivals is considered joyous because Lord Ganesha removes all obstacles and clears the devotee’s way for progress. The significance of preparing delicacies on this occasion is because Ganesha is known to relish sweets and savouries, which is why he has a huge tummy.
The common belief amongst people is that the more idols you visit during the festivites , the more belssings you collect from the lord. This is why small groups of youngsters are seen making merry at various pandals. To sum up the festival Lord Ganesha brings with him loads of blessings for everyone year after year.
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