Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi

Once upon a time, Goddess Parvati (consort of Lord Shiva) created a statue of a small boy with the sandalwood paste that she used to apply on her body. She then breathed life into the statue, and said, “Guard the entrance door of the house while I am taking bath. Don't allow anyone in, O Son!” “As you say, Mother!” nodded the boy.

After a while, it so happened that Lord Shiva Himself returned home. As the boy did not recognise him, he stopped Shiva. At this, Shiva became angry. He severed the head of the child and entered his house.

When Parvati saw this, she was shocked and upset. “What have you done, my Lord?” she cried.

Seeing Parvati inconsolable, Shiva ordered the servants to cut off and bring the head of any creature that they happen to spot first.

The servants found an elephant and brought its head. The Lord then fixed the elephant's head onto the boy's torso and brought him back to life.

“O Parvati, this son of yours shall be known to the world as 'Ganesha1, which means 'Lord of the attendants'. People shall worship him at the beginning of all auspicious occasions!” said Lord Shiva.

That was the fourth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August- September according to the Gregorian calendar). On that day, Lord Ganesha acquired the image of the elephant-headed God.

Since then, this day is celebrated as 'Ganesh Chaturthi'. It is said that the celebration of this festival was started by Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler, to promote culture and nationalism.

Later, it was revived by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak to spread the message of freedom struggle and to defy the British who had banned public assemblies.

The festival lasts for 10 days, ending on Ananta Chaturdashi. Although observed all over India, it is at its best in Maharashtra. Nowadays, it is gaining substantial importance in other parts of the world as well.

The preparations begin months in advance with the arrangements for lighting and decoration.

People install Lord Ganesha's clay idols in their homes or outside under huge pandals (tents). The size of this idol may vary from 3/4th of an inch to over 25 feet.

The most auspicious time for worship is the midday. The idol is bathed with panchamrut, a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey and jaggery.

The priest chants sacred mantras and invokes life into the idol. This ritual is called 'pran pratishtha'.

People worship the Lord with red flowers. They offer coconut, jaggery and Ganesha's favourite modaks (sweets prepared from rice flour).

The Chaturthi is the last day dedicated to the elephant-headed god. On the 11th day, the idol is taken through the streets in a procession. All around there are cheers of “Ganpathi Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya”, which means “O father Ganesha, come again early next year.”

People make the final offering of coconuts, flowers and camphor before carrying the idol to the river to immerse it. In Mumbai, the processions converge on the beaches. Amidst the devotional songs and the beating of drums, the idol of Lord Ganesha is immersed in the water.

This ritual symbolizes a farewell to the Lord who returns to his abode, taking away all the misfortunes of the mankind. Ganesha is the Lord of power and wisdom.

According to a legend, once there was a dispute between Ganesha and His brother Kartikeya. They took the matter to their parents, Shiva and Parvati.

Shiva decided that whoever would make a tour of the whole world and come back first to the starting point, would be declared the winner.

Kartikeya, at once mounted on his vehicle, the peacock, and took off to take a round of the world.

But the wise Ganesha walked around His divine parents and said, “For me, O mother and father, you represent the entire universe. By going around you, I have gone around the world!”

Shiva and Parvati felt glad at the wisdom and devotion of their son. Therefore, Ganesha is invoked before beginning any rite or undertaking any project.

He represents 'Om', which is the chief mantra among the Hindus. Nothing auspicious can be initiated without uttering Om. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is by all means a tribute to the beloved Lord who bestows success upon worthy people and is the source of all bliss. The grand celebration gives a feeling of unity and revives the patriotic spirit and faith among the people.