Wednesday, 19. September 2007
India’s Ganesha Festival

Amid chanting "Ganpati bappa morya" (A prayer: "in praise of the lord") and bursting of fireworks, several large idols of Ganesha were seen standing tall among fleet of vehicles and slowly inching its way in the snarling traffic of Mumbai from last two days. These Ganesha Idols will be nested in the decorative Mandals (bamboo erected stage) and at homes and will remain there up to 10 days of the festival.

The Ganesh chaturti festival begins on Sept. 15 and will last till the 24th of this month. During the festival, everyday the Lord Ganesha will be worshipped amid chanting of prayers, singing of bhajans (hymns) and ringing of bells. Flowers will be offered, camphor and scented sticks will be lit in front of the lord Ganesha.


A Photo Essay by OhmyNews: India's Ganesha Festival

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One of the most popular Gods in India, lord Ganesh or Ganpati is considered a symbol of wisdom and a bringer of good luck. It is said that his elephant head epitomises everything related to wisdom-small shrewd eyes, long ears that miss nothing, a long nose that can smell out anything fight and his vehicle, a mouse, reflects how much importance a wise man gives to the smallest of life forms. Shown at gateways and on doors, either by visuals or symbols, generally facing the rising sun in the east, Ganesh is revered across India as a great clearer of obstacles. Meetings, gatherings, weddings, functions and celebrations begin with a prayer of lord Ganesh and no new venture-be it a new company, a new house, a new shop is inaugurated without reciting a 'mantra' of lord Ganesh.

1st Ganesh festival - While working on the souvenir to mark the centenary celebrations of our Ganesh festival, we felt the need to collect more information about the festival.


India is a land of festivals and fairs. Every day of the year there is a festival celebrated in some part of the country. Some festivals welcome the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions, the birthdays of divine beings, saints, and gurus (revered teachers), or the advent of the new year. A number of these festivals are common to most parts of India. However, they may be called by different names in various parts of the country or may be celebrated in a different fashion.

Festivals of India
Don't miss Ganesh in Indian Art.

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Category: Gods & Goddesses | Time & Calendar |


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