Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebrations in India and Across the Globe

A giant elephant head, a broken tusk, a rounded body carrying the wisdom of the universe, and a tray of modaks by his side; with a tiny mouse perched at his feet, the mighty Ganesha is revered by millions around the world. His adorable appearance makes every child say, 'Oh, my friend Ganesha!', while the lotus in his hand and another arm raised with an axe make him the remover of obstacles and patron of art and silence. The birth of the son of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm every year.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a festival marked by diverse appeals and significance across different regions of India. Even the legends surrounding Ganesha’s birth are varied, befitting a deity who is wise, devoted, and protective of his followers. The festival is especially celebrated in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

The Legend: Some communities believe this festival commemorates the writing of the Mahabharata. Legend has it that Lord Ganesha wrote the epic as Sage Vyasa recited it, insisting that the sage speak without pause. When his writing instrument broke, Ganesha snapped a part of his tusk to continue writing, which went on for ten days. Afterward, clay was applied to Ganesha’s body, and he was bathed in a river, symbolizing the ten days of Ganesh Chaturthi and the immersion of the idol on the eleventh day.

The Rituals: Ganesh Chaturthi includes four key rituals: Pranapratishhtha (the creation of the Ganesha idol), Shhodashopachara (16 forms of prayers, including offerings and decorations), Uttarpuja (preparation for immersion), and Ganpati Visarjan (immersion of the idol in water).

Celebrations: It is believed that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Maratha Empire, initiated the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi between 1630-1680, as Lord Ganesha was the family deity of the Peshwas. Lokmanya Tilak revived the festival in 1893, transforming it into a large public event that fostered unity against colonial rule. On Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees worship Ganesha idols, perform aarti, and offer prasad, especially modaks. Clay idols, crafted months in advance, are worshipped at homes and in public spaces before being immersed in water.

Celebrations Across India: In Maharashtra and Gujarat, the festival is marked by the crafting of clay idols, cultural events, and musical performances, culminating in grand processions for immersion. In Madhya Pradesh, devotees gather at temples like Khajrana Ganesh in Indore. In Goa, known as Chovoth, the festival involves setting up a matoli for worship and preparing traditional sweets. Kerala celebrates Vinayaka Chathurthi during the Chingam month, which might differ from the rest of the states due to the Malayalam calendar. Karnataka includes prayers to both Ganesha and his mother Gauri. In Andhra Pradesh, one of the tallest idols is installed in Hyderabad, drawing thousands of devotees.

Celebrations Around the World: Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated globally wherever Indian communities reside, such as in Canada, Mauritius, Thailand, Singapore, the US, UK, and Fiji. In Mauritius, where Hindus make up 52% of the population, the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi is a public holiday. In France, the Sri Manikka Vinayakar temple hosts grand processions, with thousands of devotees participating. In the USA, Canada, and the UK, large Indian communities celebrate with processions, aartis, and cultural events, immersing idols in local water bodies like the Thames in London.

Each Indian festival is celebrated with immense fervor, and Ganesh Chaturthi is no exception, offering a vibrant and immersive experience of devotion, culture, and community.