Blessed Bay

LORD GANESHA'S SEND-OFF

- Nathan G

Ganesha Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaga Chaturthi, is the hindu festival of Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, who is believed to bestow his presence on Earth for all his devotees throughout the duration of this festival. It is generally considered as the birthday of Ganesha, who is widely worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. The festival, which is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, usually falls between the months of August and September.

Two to three months prior to Ganesh Chaturthi, artistic clay models of the elephant-headed god are created by especially skilled artisans. Beautifully decorated, they depict Lord Ganesh in various poses and vary in size from two centimetres to over seven metres. All over India, people buy these various statues depending on what they can afford. The installation of the statues in colourfully decorated homes and specially erected mandapas or pandads (canopy) in each and every locality marks the beginning of the celebration.

For 10 days, from Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi, Ganesha is worshipped on the specially decorated mandapas. On the 11th day, the statue is taken through the streets in a procession accompanied by dancing, singing, and fanfare to be immersed in a nearby river or the sea, symbolising the ritual send-off of the Lord on his journey towards his abode in Kailash, taking away with him the misfortunes of his devotees. This is the ritual known as Ganesh Visarjan.

Despite the environmental hazards, Ganesha Chaturthi remains one of the most keenly anticipated events on the Indian festival calendar.