Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi across various Indian states
Ganesh Chaturthi is a prominent Hindu festival honoring Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and prosperity. Celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India, each region adds its distinct touch to the festivities. Here's a glimpse into how this joyful festival is observed across various parts of the country.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra's Ganesh Chaturthi is renowned for its grandeur. The festival kicks off with elaborately decorated Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals. In Mumbai, massive processions feature large idols, traditional music, dance, and street decorations. Lasting 10 days, the festival culminates in the visarjan, where idols are immersed in water, symbolizing Lord Ganesha's return to his celestial abode amid vibrant music, dance, and fireworks.
Goa
Devotees and tourists flock to Goa for the colorful Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. Marcel and Mapusa, with their many temples, are prominent celebration spots. Preparations involve cleaning homes and visiting friends and relatives. During the festival, the matoli—a wooden mandap—is decorated with wildflowers, herbs, and fruits, while fresh rice is hung outside homes after the immersion ceremony.
Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with enthusiasm, featuring special aartis and pujas at various temples. Like in Delhi and Maharashtra, large pandals with grand Ganesh idols are set up for devotees to visit and offer prayers. Additionally, South Indian states observe Gauri or Gowri Habba a day before Ganesh Chaturthi, worshipping Goddess Gauri, Lord Ganesha's mother, before welcoming Ganesha the following day.
Karnataka
In Karnataka, Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by distinct rituals and traditions. The festival begins a day earlier with prayers to Goddess Gauri, Lord Ganesh's mother. The main celebrations then commence with the installation of Ganesh idols in households. Traditional sweets such as gojju, modakam, and payasam are prepared and shared. Devotees offer respects to both Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri throughout the festival.
