Ganapati Bappa, Morya
Mangalmurti Morya
To say that Ganesh Utsav is one of the most beloved and popular Hindu festivals of Maharashtra will be absolutely correct.
Popularised by the great freedom fighter Lokamanya Tilak during our freedom struggle to unite the Hindus, this festival has gained an immense following down the years.
Ganesh Chaturthi evokes excitement, joy, devotion in millions of Lord Ganpati devotees all over Maharashtra.
The Chaturthi after the Amavasya in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada ( भाद्रपद ) is celebrated as Ganeshotsav / Vinayak Chaturthi.
As per the Gregorian calendar it falls between 22 nd of August and 20 th of September.
It is believed that on this day Lord Ganpati leaves his abode in Mt Kailash along with his mother Gauri and visits his devotees to take away all their obstacles, difficulties and bring prosperity.
He is the Lord of new beginnings, wisdom and intelligence and the destroyer of obstacles. ( विघ्नहर्ता )
Due to a boon by his father Lord Shiv, Lord Ganpati's name is evoked before the start of any prayer, mantra, auspicious occasion, new endeavour, important enterprise.
The making Lord Ganpati idols ( मूर्ति ) starts almost a month before the festival with the Padya pooja ( पदयपूजन )
Historically Ganesh murtis were made from clay and immersed in the local water bodies.
Commercialisation lead to idols being made on a large scale with plaster of paris that does not dissolve in water and leads to water pollution.
The circle of time has again made clay idols popular among environment conscious devotees.
Booking for the idols is done in advance and is a much joyous activity for the devotees to choose as per their likes, budget etc.
The festival lasts from 11/2 days, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, 9 days or 11 days as per individual choice and capacity, with the large pandals going in for 21 / 51 days as well.
Homes are cleaned and thermocol temples prepared for Ganesh ji to reside in.
The temples are decorated with innumerable decorative articles,fairy lights, oil lamps, flowers etc.
Rangoli is drawn outside the main doors.
Similarly, Public and Saarvajanik pandals also leave no stone unturned in erecting unique and special temporary abodes for the Lord.
The installation of the idol is done either a day before or on the first day with the chanting of religious mantras and prayers. Families, neighbours, friends participate with great vigour.
Kumkum, sandalwood, turmeric tikkas are applied to the Lord's forehead. Offerings of sweets, fruits and flowers are placed. Oil lamps are lit and it is a must that the main oil lamp should not extinguish till the time of the last prayer when the Lord leaves the abode.
Morning and evening prayers are held with great devotion. Prasad consisting of the Lord's favourite modak along with other sweets like ladoos, karanji, fruits is distributed. Sarvajanik and group meals are arranged. Many devotees fast during these 11 days.
Some social organizations associated with the big and popular pandals also hold public welfare medical and blood donation camps etc.
Dances, games, songs and music, fun and frolic become a part of the atmosphere in these 11 days. The festival unites devotees across all age groups, class and social divides and gives a feeling of oneness and unity. It has become a popular ritual for the people to visit various well-known public pandals for the Lord's darshan to seek his blessings. The huge and beautiful Idols installed bring much joy and happiness to all.
The 11th day is Anant Chaturdashi when the Lord leaves to go back to his parents, Lord Shiv and Parvati at Mt Kailash.
Accordingly, the idols are taken with great pomp and vigour, dances and musical bands to the nearest water bodies for immersion.
The chants of
" Ganpati Bappa Morya...
Pudhchya varshi lavkar ya "
are heard everywhere, on every devotee's lips.
Most famous Aarti of Lord Ganesh - Sukhakarta Dukhaharta by the 17 th century Saint, Samarth Ramdas
A few of the popular public pandals -
Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai
Andhericha Raja, Mumbai
Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandal, Pune
Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust, Pune
Tulsi Baug, Pune
Ajoba Ganpati, Solapur
( *Related post to be read - Gauri Poojan )
Pictures source - wikipedia
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