GANESH CHATURTHI

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Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the famous festivals of Hindus and is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. The festival celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha – the supreme God of wisdom and prosperity. Ganesha is the ‘Lord of Beginnings’; that’s why every Hindu prayer and Tantric worship starts with a dedication to Ganesha. It is believed that on this day, Lord Brahma had created the universe. He had also created days, weeks, months and years. Thus, Ugadi is said to be the first day of the creation of the universe. Similar in concept is the Gudi Padwa festival, which will also be celebrated on the same day. It is mostly celebrated by the people of Maharashtra according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. Gudi Padwa gets its name from two words: ‘gudi’, meaning Brahma’s flag, and ‘padwa’, meaning the first day of the phase of the moon.

On this day, many people take a customary oil bath, following which, they wear new clothes — mostly traditional attire — and decorate their home. Traditional rangoli is made with flowers and colours, and people then go on to hoist the gudi, or the revered flag. It is believed that on this day, Lord Brahma had created the universe. He had also created days, weeks, months and years. Thus, Ugadi is said to be the first day of the creation of the universe. Similar in concept is the Gudi Padwa festival, which will also be celebrated on the same day. It is mostly celebrated by the people of Maharashtra according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. Gudi Padwa gets its name from two words: ‘gudi’, meaning Brahma’s flag, and ‘padwa’, meaning the first day of the phase of the moon. By the way, the program of Ganesh Utsav is celebrated with great pomp and on its last day i.e. Anant Chaturdashi or also known as Ganpati Visarjan day, the effects on the environment on this day are very important. On this day people immerse Ganpati installed in their homes and public places in rivers or oceans, which adversely affects the environment and aquatic life.

During this ten day long festival, a large number of flower-garlands, plastic bags and plaster you make of Paris idols are collected because the immersion of these items takes place directly in the oceans or rivers. Therefore all these things adversely affect the aquatic environment. Most of these sculptures are made of plaster of paris, which is an unnatural substance, so it takes months to dissolve in water. Apart from this, the idol is adorned with many things like paint and glass, which act to increase the amount of pollution in the aquatic ecosystem.

Preparation for the festival begins months earlier, with artisans crafting clay idols of Ganesh in different sizes. These idols are placed in homes or specially decorated pandals. The idol is worshipped, morning and evening, with simple recitations of devotional songs, offerings of flowers, incense and lamps. Daily puja with aarti and chanting of mantras are performed in the pandals. Lord Ganesha is offered with a special sweet called modakas. Devotees also offer incense, fruits, flowers, etc., to showcase their love and devotion towards God. The atmosphere is filled with joy and cheer, and chanting of Ganapati Bappa Morya. Ganesh Chaturthi festival ends with the Visarjan or immersion of the idols in water. Devotees dance and sing as they bid farewell and pray for the deity’s early return the following year.

                                                                                                            SWETHA. B - 2113721018058 





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