Ganesh u-tv-sa-w (Ganesh Festival)

By S. P. Kamatkar

Ganesh u-tv-sa-w is celebrated on the auspicious day of Ga-tne-sh cha-tvu-rthi. It is the festival of Lord Ga-tne-sh. It is celebrated for ten days. The first day of this festival falls in the month of - Bhaa-dvra-pa-dva (corresponding English Gregorian months are August-September).

Lord Ga-tne-sh is known by many names. Common amongst them are Ga-jaa-na-n, Mo-re-shwa-r, Wi-naa-ya-k. The most popular name is Ga-tne-sh or Ga-tna-pa-tvi. He is the God of wisdom and knowledge. He is always worshipped before start of any auspicious work or project.

On this day, Lord Ga-tne-sh mu-rtvee (idol - made of clay) is broght home and installed with sanctity on a decorated platform, adorned with flowers and colorful clothing. Every household has distinct and beautiful decorations for Lord Ga-tna-pa-tvi.

In this festival Ga-tne-sh pu-jaa is performed everyday morning and evening. In these pu-jaa Ga-tna-pa-tvi's favorites - fresh and tender dvu-r-waa (a variety of grass),the red-colored flowers are offered. Another favorite of Lord Ganesh's is a sweet snack - Mo-dva-k. After offering Ga-tna-pa-tvi his favorite food and flowers, everyone in family come together to sing aa-ra-tvee. It is a holy verse sung in his praise.

Apart from it's mythological importance, this festival also has a historical significance. In 1893, this festival was made popular by one of the great Indian freedom fighter - Lokmanya Tilak. He chose this festival to motivate, educate and to inspire Indian (especially in Maharashtra) population to fight against British rule.

The last day of the Ga-tne-sh festival is ana-N-tv cha-tvu-R-dva-shee (14th day of the month of Bhaa-dvra-pa-dva). It is a farewell day for Lord Ga-tne-sh. His idol is felicited and taken in a procession to the nearby lake or river for immersion. The immersion of the idol is called wi-sa-r-jxa-n.

During these ten days many neighbourhoods or communities come together and organize various cultural, musical or sports events. In big cities like Mumbai or Pune, there are also many sponsored events that feature celebreties and important local personalities. Such events are organized by local government and sponsored by many big corporations. Locals are joined by many foreign tourists to celebrate and witness this joyous celebration.