Ganeshotsav ( गणेशोत्सव ) in Maharashtra

Ganapati Bappa, Morya

Mangalmurti Morya 

Lalbaugcha Raja ( 2009 )

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 -

1. Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai

2. Andhericha Raja, Mumbai

3. Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandal, Pune

4. Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust, Pune 

5. Tulsi Baug, Pune 

6. Ajoba Ganpati, Solapur

( *Related post to be read - Gauri Poojan )

Pictures source - wikipedia

Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav in Goa

 Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav in Goa.

 mage courtesy Google

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is the day most sacred to Lord Ganesha. It falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is observed throughout India, as well as by devoted Hindus in all parts of the world.

The Ganesh festival is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals all over India and holds a special place in the hearts of Goan people. It is an occasion of fun and frolic, a time of cleaning and decorating the place of worship of the elephant headed God, who is very much revered amongst his humble devotees all over. More importantly, it brings about a reunion of family and friends, exchanging gifts and overall rejoicing to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha.

There are various idols of Lord Ganesh in different shapes and sizes well adorned and installed in heavily decorated pandals by various merchant associations and other merchant groups in all the cities of Goa, the preparations for this much adored festival begins just at the culmination of the harvesting season or the holy month of Shravana. As per Hindu customs and traditions, Lord Ganesha idols are worshipped with due respect and devotion amidst a lot of gaiety and splendour for 1 1/2, 5, 7, 9 or 11 days in the month of Bhadrapada after which they are ceremonially immersed in big lakes or oceans. The immersion on thej day of Anant Chaturdashi marks the end of the most favourite festival of the Hindu people in Goa and all over.

The festival ushers in a season of joyous celebration all over Goa. Besides the religious significance, the festival is an occasion for family members to reunite and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. People of all communities visit their Hindu friends to join in the celebration.

Food during Ganesh Chaturthi.

This is the most auspicious and important festival of the Hindu community in Goa. Also known as Chovoth. The variety of food offer during this  auspicious festival 

Ukkadiche Modak

Image courtesy google

Modak are considered to be one of the favorite food of Lord Ganesha Ukkadiche Modak are made up of rice flour stuffed with cocount and jaggrey fillings  and than steamed.

Laddos 

Ladoos like coconut ladoo, besan ladoo and nevereos are also a popular snack. 

Delicious food is offered as a bhog to Ganeshji and than served to guest.

It's one of the best festival in India where helps to reunite family.