Ganesh Chaturthi -A Tradition, Devotion and Joy!
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the biggest festivals in India which signifies the birth of the god of wisdom, breaker of all obstacles, the lord of prosperity, and the god of all things good, Lord Ganesha. A great festival which is celebrated with so much zeal among people in the states of Maharashtra, Goa and in certain farness of south India, becomes a bigger and universal affair observed by the entire India and even the globe generating the linkages of millions of people to their practises of worships and merry and dances.
Historical Significance
Sinced it is a religious and cultural festival, Ganesh Chaturthi is an important event. The festival is believed to be the day that Lord Ganesha came to earth and hence during this period any believer honours the Lord marks in appreciation of his blessings to a prosperous year to come. It is also time when the people go seeking the blessings of the much loved éenarai since he is the power to obliterate impediments, bring relief to bring concord and to guarantee triumphs in other projects.
History The origins of the festival have a history that goes back to the Maratha Empire in the 17th century, particularly when under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. There is no place better to fabricate a feeling of unity among his subject than the birth of an almighty being who is not only identified with wisdom but also the bringer of prosperity and wealth. In time, the festival grew and over time trickled to other parts of India and the world.
This is a life-Cycle ladies!
This 10 days fest crescendos on the day of immersion or Visarjan. It begins with setting of the Ganesha that is so well adorned and erected either in the house or in the community pandals ( makeshift structures). Pilgrims visit these pandals to offer prayers, to sing bhajans (a devotional song) and perform a series of rituals that eulogise Lord Ganesh. The celebration is visually impressive because every person will enjoy the colourful decorations, bright processions and dances.
The idols made are with clay which symbolizes that Lord Ganesha is in touch with earth. The immersing of the idols into water takes place following the ten days festival worship and this has significance of the birth life as well as death of the Lord Ganesha and withdrawal of his birth in his heaven world.
The Effect That Has On the Environment and The Social Response
In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the necessity to make the celebrations environment-friendly. There are the ones which have shifted in the application of biodegradable material in making of the idols such that the total impact of the festival on the environment is minimal. The immersion process has also been modified to an extent that bodies of water are not polluted.
Ganesh Chaturthi is more than its religious purpose and is also a period of socialization, community building and philanthropy. Most societies take part in festivities by hosting functions, donating to the underprivileged and ensuring the celebration aspects on the festival does not end with partying.
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just the festival but also a very pictorial demonstration of the cultural and spiritual legacy of India. It brings together individuals with varying backgrounds and helps people live in the spirit of oneness, dedication and hope. Through the festival we learn to be optimistic, seek wisdom and face the good and bad issues in our life as there is, on the one hand, big processions in the Mumbai streets, on the on hand, smaller rituals at homes. By dunking of the idol representing Lord Ganesha in the waters, brings a remembrance that in order to receive fresh things in our life we must give up our obstacles in life.
