I had quite forgotten - it was that time of year again. The road was completely blocked off and the blaring music alerted us to the procession in front. The traffic was re-routed to one lane. A huge truck was bearing the statue of Lord Ganesha to his temporary home - a large stage, colourfully decorated with garlands and lights. The littlest children sat on the back of the very same truck, dressed in their best clothes, their eyes bright with anticipation and excitement, preceded further up, by a group of gyrating, laughing and shrieking youths.
It was the 4th day of the waxing moon - Lord Ganesha's Birthday (he's the son of Shiva and Pavarti) and a favourite God, much loved by all. Local societies all over town have paid for the mandapas, where the God will be housed for the next 10 - 12 days. Hindus believe in the actual presence of the God himself, during this special time and since he is the remover of obstacles and bringer of prosperity, what's not to celebrate ? Societies are very competitive, each vying for the biggest statue and the best shrine. Even shops and hotels have a private space for a smaller statue of Ganesha, set on a plinth in an alcove, glowing with light, heat and colour, as a focal point, in a strategic place, inviting good fortune and good luck.
The statues are made of plaster of paris or plastic and brightly painted with artificial colours. In the past they were made of mud and at the end of the festival they would be doused in the local pond, returning to where they came from, symbolising creation and dissolution. But of course nowadays, the material used is insoluble and toxic, polluting local water supplies ! But the celebrations go on unabashed and will be followed by one festival after another, until the summer.
It was the 4th day of the waxing moon - Lord Ganesha's Birthday (he's the son of Shiva and Pavarti) and a favourite God, much loved by all. Local societies all over town have paid for the mandapas, where the God will be housed for the next 10 - 12 days. Hindus believe in the actual presence of the God himself, during this special time and since he is the remover of obstacles and bringer of prosperity, what's not to celebrate ? Societies are very competitive, each vying for the biggest statue and the best shrine. Even shops and hotels have a private space for a smaller statue of Ganesha, set on a plinth in an alcove, glowing with light, heat and colour, as a focal point, in a strategic place, inviting good fortune and good luck.
The statues are made of plaster of paris or plastic and brightly painted with artificial colours. In the past they were made of mud and at the end of the festival they would be doused in the local pond, returning to where they came from, symbolising creation and dissolution. But of course nowadays, the material used is insoluble and toxic, polluting local water supplies ! But the celebrations go on unabashed and will be followed by one festival after another, until the summer.
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