Indian culture is one of the oldest and richest in the world. The vast population , amalgamation of different religions , variety of cultural beliefs and practices , languages and royal heritage make India the most remarkable in the world history . The wide variety of festivals celebrated in India is a true manifestation of its rich culture and traditions.
The ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, during which `Sarvajanik Mandals’ install idols in roadside pandals began from August 22. It is a popular Hindu Festival meant to rejoice the birth of Lord Ganesha , God who symbolizes good fortune , prosperity and wisdom,
It is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm among people. Massive idols are raised on huge podiums , while devotees across the India bring the lord Ganesha idols to their homes . They decorate it beautifully with flowers and garlands. Pooja is conducted and modaks and laddoos that are Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweets are offered to him. Dance, music , colourful and beautiful decorations make this festival more enlightening.
On last day i.e. day tenth , the Idols are taken on a grand procession and then they are immersed in the water bodies. (Visarjan )
Country gets drenched in the celebration of Ganesh Festival every year with lots of fervour and warmth.
This year ,with the outbreak of Covid-19 , Ganeshotsav was celebrated in little different way.
Mostly people kept the celebrations confined to their homes and celebrated it with their family members only.
Wearing masks and with the necesary precaution celebration was on full swing.
Amidst this pandemic situation , in some places Ganeshotsav was celebrated in more innovative way.
In Surat, Gujarat, a doctor made Lord Ganpati’s idol with dry fruits and kept it at a COVID hospital for the patients to worship Lord Ganesha. After the puja, the dry fruits were distributed amongst the patients at the hospital.
In Nagpur, a COVID-19 hospital themed Ganesh pandal has been set up.
In Bengaluru , Ganeshotsav celebrations went online this year for the first time in its 58-year-old history. The puja and the cultural programmes will be telecasted live on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, from August 22 to September 1. Celebrating the festival online only kept the festive spirit alive but also gave a stage to artists and musicians to showcase their talent and add cheer to the fest during the gloomy times.
Isn’t it interesting !! When it is said that the show must go on… then no matter big or small the celebration of life must go on .