Hindu festivals are a mix of religious rituals, spectacle, prayer, processions, eating, drinking, music and dance, philanthropy, and other traditional activities. Originally, festivals in India had many purposes like self-purification, overcoming negative influences, renewing society, tiding over crises, and reviving nature’s powers. In fact, the word 'utsava' means not only ‘festival’, but also the generation of power. Hindu festivals are also related to the cyclical processes of nature, so they supposedly prevent its stagnation. 

The festivals also create a joyous mood among the people, make them aware of their own power, and serve to compensate for the fear and vulnerability that the forces of nature induce in them. They also demand the participation of the whole community, thereby creating harmony. An excellent example of one such Indian festival is Ganesh Chaturthi. Celebrated every year in Bhadra month (August-September), Ganesh Chaturthi is a very exuberant festival in which the entire community participates. 

Also called Vinayaka Chavithi, the festival is observed to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is the Hindu god of wealth, prosperity, knowledge, and wisdom. He is also the remover of obstacles, as one of his other names, Vighneshwara, suggests. ‘Vighna’ means ‘obstacles’. Hindus worship him first when they begin any new endeavor. Ganesha is an oddity among Hindu deities, as far as appearance goes. He is short, rotund, and has an elephant’s head. And behind his head lies an interesting tale. 

Birth of Ganesha

According to legend, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha using sandalwood paste, though some versions claim it was turmeric and others aver that it was the dirt from her body. At the time, she was about to take a bath and her husband Shiva was away. Conscious of her privacy and unwilling to be interrupted during her bath by her husband, Lord Shiva, who was away, she stationed Ganesha, a young lad, to stand guard at the entrance of her house. When Shiva returned, he was denied permission to enter by Ganesha. This led to an argument which led nowhere, and finally, in a fit of anger, Shiva beheaded Ganesha.

Hearing the commotion, Parvati came out to investigate what was going on, and her shocked eyes fell on the headless Ganesha. She flew into a rage and ordered her husband to restore the lad to his original state. The contrite Shiva assured her that he would take care of the problem at once. But the only head he managed to find was that of an elephant. And thus, Ganesha was reborn. To commemorate his birth, Hindus celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. One of his many names is Gajanan meaning ‘the elephant-headed one’.

Ganesha Pooja

Ganesha is believed to have the power to remove our sins and bad karma. Hence, he has an important place in the Hindu pantheon. Hindus worship him, as they believe that he will bestow financial success and grant their desires.

Preparations for the Pooja begin weeks in advance. Artisans and sculptors create Ganesha idols in various shapes, sizes, and poses. These will be installed at decorated pandals in devotees’ homes and many localities. A special ritual called ‘Pranapratishhtha’ is performed before the installation. During this ritual, priests chant special mantras to mark the arrival of the god from his heavenly abode, Mount Kailas. During the next 10 days, the deity is worshipped in 16 different ways called ‘Shhodashopachara’. Devotees make offerings of Ganesha's favorite sweets like modaks, laddoos, puran polis, etc.

A ritual called ‘Uttarpooja’ is observed on the 11th day, after which devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha by immersing his idols in water during the ritual of ‘Ganpati Visarjan’ while chanting Ganpati Bappa Morya. This marks the end of the festival. 

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi

On the festival day, devotees rise early, take a bath, and pray to Lord Ganesha at home and the temple. Statues or idols of Ganesha are put up in decorated pandals in many streets. The pandals are decorated with lights and flowers. Devotional songs play in the background, adding to the divine aura.

Music, dance, and plays are part of the festival. Devotees chant ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Laukariya’, meaning that the lord of wisdom and knowledge, Ganesha, would return the following year. Plays about Ganesha’s birth and some of the more interesting incidents about his life are usually staged at this time.

Ganesh Chaturthi is also a time for getting together with friends and family, though corona concerns may play spoilsport this year too. After taking part in the Pooja, people enjoy the offerings or prasad - Modak, Laddu, and Pooran Poli. Entire communities come together to have a gala time.

This is also regarded as an auspicious time to start new business ventures and other new activities. Ganesha is invoked for good luck by those who inaugurate new shops and businesses on this day.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2021 or Vinayagar Chaturthi 2021 is on September 10.