This Is How Ganpati Bappa Is Welcomed and Celebrated Across India
Every year, we wait for our beloved Ganpati Bappa to bless us with his gracious presence and this year, the excitement is almost double. Ganesh Chaturthi is the much-awaited time of the year, where idols of Lord Ganesha are brought home or to public pandals and is followed by a 10-day-long festival.
While Ganesh Chaturthi is the important festivals in Maharashtra, celebrations take place throughout the country with its unique touch.
As the Ganeshotsav begins from today this year, we bring to you some important information on how the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations take place across India.
Maharashtra
Ganpati Celebrations in Maharashtra are humongous, with not only pandals in every corner, but also people inviting Bappa to their embrace their homes.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great belief, devotion and dedication for 10 days. It is the time when all communities and localities come together to welcome Bappa with full zeal and vigor.
Devotees of Bappa bring Ganesh idols and play host for a period, ranging from a day-and-a-half to 10 days before biding adieu to Bappa and immersing it in a water body. While small idols are brought in households, groups of devotees set up huge pandals (tents) to house Ganesha on the streets. The pandals are decorated beautifully with different themes & embellishments.
Fairs and exhibitions, classical dance and music performances, poetry recitations, folk dances, theatre and film festivals add up to the festive mood making its grandeur. The highlight is the different types of Modak, which is also Bappa’s favorite.
After a fun-filled event of 9 days, the tenth day is the day of visarjan. Virsarjan is the ritual when the idol is carried by a serpentine procession to a nearby lake/river for immersion. Devotees say a happy goodbye to Bappa by dancing, singing and chanting mantras. They also request Bappa to bless them throughout the year and come back the next year saying “Ganapati Bappa Moriya" with more happiness.
Karnataka
In Karnataka, Ganesh Chaturthi is commonly called 'Vinayaka Chaturthi'. Unlike Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated slightly differently. People in Karnataka worship and offer their prayers to Goddess Gauri - the mother of Lord Ganesha.
Married women chant prayers for Goddess Gauri and seek blessings for long-lasting married life.
Gujarat
Even though Gujarat is known for extraordinary Navratri Celebrations, it puts its best foot forward for welcoming Ganapati Bappa. Ahmedabad, the capital city, celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with great pomp and show. With elaborate arrangements and splendor, prayers and offerings are dedicated to the Lord of wisdom, wit and knowledge.
Lord Ganesha is passionately worshipped for 7 to 10 days throughout the State, in small temples as well as large ones.
On the last day, Ganesha idols are immersed at river Sabarmati and Kankaria Lake as devotees chant mantras and sing devotional songs. This glitter and glamour are added by burning fireworks and dancing to peppy tracks.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan, the Land of Kings, welcomes the Boss of Earth – Lord Ganesha with great ecstasy and exuberance. While the devotees bathe the image Ganesha in red Kumkum, the idol is garlanded with red flowers. Ganesh Idols are then placed at the entrance of the house. A small thaal with haldi and kumkum, is placed alongside the idol.
The people who come to seek Bappa's blessings can take a pinch of each and put it on their foreheads and throat, to bring in good luck. To sweeten the moment, Modaks and Ladoos are distributed amongst relatives and friends.
India is known for its rich diversity and culture. Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi enhance the cultural spirit, brotherhood and unity among people. This Ganesh Chaturthi makes sure that you embrace Bappa’s presence with full energy.
