Ganesh Utsav on 15 September 2008

Package from 14 Sept to till 17 Sept 2008

Dedicated to the elephant headed god of Hindu religion, the fourth day of Bhadrapad month is celebrated as Ganesh Chaturthi in South India. The day is celebrated to mark the birth of the god, asserted emphatically by Saint Dnyaneshwar in Maharashtra.

One of the most popular deities of Hindus, Ganpati is a harbinger of prosperity, riches and success. Sacred hymns are chanted to invoke Him before the initiation of any good work. Both Shaivites and Vaishnavites worship him with equal zeal and fervor.

The origin of the festival in Maharashtra dates back to 1892 when Peshwa Sardar Nanasaheb Khajgiwale visited Gwalior and came across the celebrations of Ganesh Utsav there. Observing the community spirit that the festival incorporated, the Peshwa started the festival at Pune. And from there, it was adapted by the entire Maharashtra.

Pioneered by Keshavji Naik Chawl (Girgaon), the Ganesh Utsav in Mumbai is one of the most gloriously celebrated festivals. Celebrated with marked zeal and fervor, in the Southern and Central regions of Mumbai, the festival is gaining more popularity each year.

Idols of Ganpati ranging from 3/4th of an inch to over 25 feet are installed in decorated Puja pandals. The shapes and forms of the idol vary from mandal to mandal. The installed idol is worshipped by the devotees every morning and evening. While the spiritual mood is dominant in the morning, the evenings are marked by excitement and mirth.

Various Puja mandals celebrate the festival in their own chosen way. For some, performing the Puja and singing praises of the god are the only ways to please Him whereas to others, social service campaigns are a must. Considering service to humanity as the biggest way to worship the god, these mandals organize blood donation camps, free medical checkups, scholarships to poor but bright students and so on.

The idol of the god is immersed in a rung water stream on the last day of the festival termed Anant Chaturdasi. Depending upon the work schedules and of people at the community, the immersion period of the idol may vary from a day and a half to five or a higher number of odd days. But it needs to be essentially done by the bright fourteenth day of the month.

Not only in Maharashtra but the festival is also gaining popular ground in other parts of India as well. At Khurda in Orissa, preparations begin months in advance to the festival. Decorated images of Ganesha are installed in homes and community centers in the entire state.

Amidst elaborate lighting and decoration arrangements, the god is fervently worshipped for about 4-5 days. It is customary to begin a child’s education on this day. Hindu children are thus taught their first words on the day to initiate their education. Therefore, schools, colleges and other places of learning organize special worship of Lord Ganesha. Many institutions also organize cultural activities.

Vegetarian meal pattern is the order of the day. Floral offerings are made on a big scale to the god. Books, articles, instruments of music and arts, earthen inkpots and Bamboo quills are also placed before him.