Generally celebrated between August and September every year, Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular festivals in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The celebration brings brings people of all religions, cultures and creeds together. One of the notable features of the celebration is the large Ganesha statue that is the focus of the festivities.
Ganesha is one of the best-known and most worshipped of the Hindu deities. He has known by 108 names including Ganapati and Vinayaka. Identified as the god of wisdom, knowledge, and new beginnings, Ganesha is also revered as the remover of obstacles.
Ganesha is easy to identify because of his elephant head, given to him by Shiva. There are many stories of the origins of Ganesha. According to Hindupedia, the most popular (and simple) version is:
One day when Lord Shiva was away, Goddess Parvati wanted to take bath in the river. To guard against any unwelcome intrusion, she took a little turmeric paste from her body and created a young boy. She gave him clear instructions not to allow any body inside. Unfortunately at this time Lord Shiva returned. The new boy refused him admission, though lord Shiva told him that he is the husband of Parvati. Lord Shiva became very angry and cut off the head of this new boy and threw it away using his trident. At this time, Goddess Parvati came back and became very sad, that the boy created by her was killed. Lord Shiva wanted to console Parvati. So he sent his army to bring the first head that that they see on their way. The first head that they saw was the head of dying elephant. Shiva fixed that head on the boy's trunk and brought him back to life. He also adopted him as his elder son and made him chief of his army.
There are many stories associated with Ganesha's life and during the festival devotees are encouraged to share and remember these stories. The following video features many of these stories, including slightly different versions of the origin of Ganesha.
Craftsman include significant symbolism in the design of each Ganesha statue that reflects aspects of these stories, giving devotees the opportunity to reflect on the deeper meaning of the celebration.
The image of Ganesha is believed to absorb all the negativity in one's household. Devotees celebrate with prayers, offering plenty of tasty food, lighting lamps and adorning Ganesha. Food offered to Ganesha is shared after prayers.
Individuals may participate in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations for a day and a half up to 11 days depending upon family tradition and commitment of the devotees. At the end of the celebration, Ganesha statues are submerged in the local ocean, river, or lake to dissolve. This ritual send-off signifies
- the dissolving of devotee obstacles and negative energies,
- purification of Ganesha before entering heaven, and
- Ganesha's merging with the ocean of consciousness
Because of environmental concerns, craftsmen have been encouraged to stop making idols with Plaster of Paris and instead make them with eco-friendly materials such as clay and natural colours.
Several Indian films have included songs which have picturized the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. The following video playlist features five of our favorite songs picturizing this fun festival from Hindi and Marathi films. These include:
- "Deva Shree Ganesha" (Agneepath, 2012) with Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra,
- the fun and catchy "Jalwa" (Wanted, 2009) featuring Salman Khan,
- the devotional-like "Morya" from the 2011 Marathi film of the same name,
- the big production number "Morya Re" (Don: The Chase Begins, 2006) featuring Shah Rukh Khan, and
- the powerful and uplifting "Sadda Dil Vi Tu" (ABCD-Any Body Can Dance, 2013).
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