The Hindu : Other States / Goa News : Ganesh Chaturthi with a difference

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Sunday, Oct 03, 2004

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Other States - Goa

Ganesh Chaturthi with a difference

By Anil Sastry

PANAJI, OCT. 2. Goans are still celebrating Chovoth (Ganesh Chaturthi), though festivities have come to an end in other parts of the country with the immersion of Ganesh idols by Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals last week.

While Mandals in Mumbai were competing with each other in installing Ganesh idols of various sizes and variety, Goan artisans were busy giving shape to their ideas and making Ganesh idols using those inputs which are part of everyone's day-to-day life.

Just 17 km from Panaji, there lies a small town called Marcella (pronounced as Marcel), off the road to Temple Town Ponda. Marcel has people belonging to all castes and religions, having lots of Hindu temples.

It is said many Hindus migrated to this township with their Gods to escape the religious persecution unleashed by the then Portuguese regime. Naturally, this township still has a deep religious ambience.

While the town is famous for celebration of various Hindu festivals, it attracts a large number of people from across the State.

The artisans in this village were experimenting with different ideas in making Ganesh. The devotees who kept Ganesh idols near the famous Devaki-Krishna temple had Ganesh made of his vehicle — mouse. Several mice of different sizes made of fur formed the huge Ganesh idol, which was kept for darshan, while a small clay idol was kept nearby to offer regular poojas.

When one moves further near the Mallinatha Temple, a huge idol made exclusively of material from coconut tree would greet them. And the mouse carrying the deity was literally hopping, thanks to small electric motor. Still further, Sai Kala Mandal has kept an idol made of areca nuts.

Coconut and areca nut are the two major commercial crops in this coastal State and are a part of the day-to-day life of Goans.

Moving further to the nearby Cumbarjua village, the Gajanana Samskritik Mandal's Ganesh was eye-catching. The entire `pandal' as well as the idol were made of cane. The artist has

kept Ganesh in a half-lying posture on a swing, that was moving with the help of a small motor.

Evenings saw large number of people from all over Goa visiting these places and pay their obeisance.

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Ganesh Chaturthi with a difference