Ganpati Bappa Morya!

India is indeed a land of colorful festivals celebrated with zest and fervor in the hearts of enthusiastic Indians. According to the sacred Hindu Mythology there are 33 Crore Gods and Goddesses who have their own significance in our lives. Lord Ganesh is one such God who is worshipped with immense love and devotion in our hearts. Ganesh Chaturthi is so an important Hindu festival celebrated with grandeur in India. The spectacular festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesh who is said to relieve us of all worries and obstacles in life and is called ‘vignaharta’ meaning destroyer of all hurdles.

Maximum enthusiasm for Ganesh Chaturthi can be witnessed at Maharashtra where the festival is celebrated with great pomp and show. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated embracing an entire community that comes together and engages in vibrant festivity. The celebration begins by bringing home an idol of lord Ganesh, staying with Him for a few days (usually 10 days). The duration of the stay calls for merriment which includes offering prayers, singing bhajans, making sweets and indulging in devotion to the Almighty. Immersion of the idol into the sea marks the end of the festival. This signifies inviting God to one’s home, honoring him like a guest and then sending Him off.

Large groups of devotees chanting ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’, carry Ganesh Idols to the water body. The processions are filled with vibrancy, enthusiasm and a sacred sense of festivity. The Ganesh festival is an occasion that signifies togetherness, devotion and fervent worship.