The Hindu : Karnataka News : Gowri - Ganesha: an auspicious festival

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 16, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Gowri - Ganesha: an auspicious festival

Vakratunda Mahakaya

Suryakoti Samaprabha

Nirvighnam Kuru me Deva

Sarvakaryeshu Sarvada

Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed Hindu deity is the God of wisdom. He is worshipped first in any prayers since he is considered to be the remover of all obstacles, a deity which brings good luck on new activities or endeavours.

The royal city of Mysore comes alive during this festival and the city is filled with shout of happy children and young boys.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, son of Lord Shiva and Parvathi.

The festival comes in the 4th day of bright fortnight of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu calendar.

It is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in Mysore and people come together to celebrate this auspicious festival. The atmosphere of gaiety is intermingled with a kaleidoscope of colours and resplendent lights.

There are various stories attached to the festival. Legend has it that the day Gowri returned from her parental have with her son Ganapathi upon the request of Lord Shiva is celebrated as Ganesha Chaturthi. In old Mysore and other areas, the festival is referred as Gowri-Ganesha.

The Hindus pray to images of Lord Ganesh made out of clay and painted.

These are specially made for the occasion.The festival is also celebrated by various groups, student associations, shops, commercial establishments. Many a time people living together on a street come together to celebrate. People vie with each other to have big idols. Pandals are erected and the celebration goes on for upto ten days. Musical programmes are organised and generally there is a feeling of joy and bonhomie.

Elders and children wear new clothes and the preparation of Modaka is a must on this day.

Before the immersion, the evening arati for the deity is performed. People fear that false aspersion may be cast upon oneself on seeing the moon on that day. To ward of this, the family members sit around repeating or listening to the story of how Lord Krishna cleared his character regarding the Syamantaka Jewel. So don't forget not to look at the moon on that day as legend has it that the moon behaved unbecomingly towards Lord Ganesha.

Go ahead and enjoy the ensuing Gowri Ganesha festival.

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