Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration in Karnataka
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most significant festivals celebrated across the country. It is observed as it is the birthday of Lord Ganesha. This is the day when he was resurrected to life with an elephant’s head. Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati is the god of good fortune, prosperity, and wisdom. That’s why people worship Lord Shiva before any sacred occasion to bring good luck. He is also referred to as the Vighnaharta.
Devotees welcome Lord Ganesha to their homes and offices and celebrate this festival for 10 days. On the 11th day, the idol is taken to be immersed in the river amidst a grand procession with people singing and dancing in groups. The final immersion symbolises bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha towards his abode to Kailash as he seizes away all the misfortunes of his devotees.
While the celebrations are magnificent in most states, Karnataka and Maharashtra are popular for their Ganesha Festival. Every year, the Karnataka Government installs massive Ganesha idols in colorfully decorated temporary mandapas or pandals to celebrate this auspicious day throughout the region. The pandals are adorned with decorative items like small banana saplings, flower garlands, and hundreds of lights.
One can also witness theme-based decorations depicting current events or religious themes. This year might also see the same scenario keeping in mind the safety protocols related to COVID guidelines. If the public celebrations take place, the number of people entering the venue at once will be restricted to ensure everyone’s safety.
Besides celebrations in public places, several community events are also organised to invoke religious values in everyone with numerous activities. Festival without food always remains incomplete. Modak, Ganesha’s favourite dish, is the main delicacy of this festival. Karanji is another important dish prepared on this occasion. People prepare them at their homes and distribute them among families and friends after the puja.
On this day, Gowri Vrata is also performed by women of Karnataka as ‘Mangala Gowri,’ for a good and prosperous life. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi festival will be celebrated on September 10, 2021 across India.
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most significant festivals celebrated across the country. It is observed as it is the birthday of Lord Ganesha. This is the day when he was resurrected to life with an elephant’s head. Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati is the god of good fortune, prosperity, and wisdom. That’s why people worship Lord Shiva before any sacred occasion to bring good luck. He is also referred to as the Vighnaharta.
Devotees welcome Lord Ganesha to their homes and offices and celebrate this festival for 10 days. On the 11th day, the idol is taken to be immersed in the river amidst a grand procession with people singing and dancing in groups. The final immersion symbolises bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha towards his abode to Kailash as he seizes away all the misfortunes of his devotees.
While the celebrations are magnificent in most states, Karnataka and Maharashtra are popular for their Ganesha Festival. Every year, the Karnataka Government installs massive Ganesha idols in colorfully decorated temporary mandapas or pandals to celebrate this auspicious day throughout the region. The pandals are adorned with decorative items like small banana saplings, flower garlands, and hundreds of lights. One can also witness theme-based decorations depicting current events or religious themes. This year might also see the same scenario keeping in mind the safety protocols related to COVID guidelines. If the public celebrations take place, the number of people entering the venue at once will be restricted to ensure everyone’s safety.
Besides celebrations in public places, several community events are also organised to invoke religious values in everyone with numerous activities. Festival without food always remains incomplete. Modak, Ganesha’s favourite dish, is the main delicacy of this festival. Karanji is another important dish prepared on this occasion. People prepare them at their homes and distribute them among families and friends after the puja.
On this day, Gowri Vrata is also performed by women of Karnataka as ‘Mangala Gowri,’ for a good and prosperous life. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi festival will be celebrated on September 10, 2021 across India.