For the first time in ages I am not in India to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, the birthday of my Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and prosperity. Most parts of India celebrate this festival. One should not miss the festivities, pomp and glory of Mumbai and Bangalore. The festival is so popular that the preparations begin months in advance. The clay model of Lord Ganesha is made 2-3 months prior. During the festival every street and most of the houses you will find the statue of Lord installed. All clad in ethnic dress, invoke the god and prey for harmony and happiness.
The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi continues for five, seven, or ten days. Some even stretch it to twenty one days. According to the mythology, he is the son of Shiva and Parvati, brother of Kartikeya - the general of the gods, Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth and Saraswati-the goddess of learning. There are numerous stories in Hindu mythology, associated with the birth of this elephant-headed god, whose vehicle is the Mooshak or rat and who loves Modaks (droplet shaped Indian sweet).
Started by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, the great Maratha ruler, to promote culture and nationalism, the festival was revived by Lokmanya Tilak (a freedom fighter) to spread the message of freedom struggle and to defy the British who had banned public assemblies. The festival gave the Indians a feeling of unity and revived their patriotic spirit and faith.
Seeing the moon on this day is supposed to be inauspicious. According to the Puranas, the moon behaved unbecomingly towards the Lord.
More than anything, the festival brings in the sense of belongingness and fait to the community and the whole world. May the blessings of Sri Ganesha be upon you all...!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment