Ganpati Visarjan

All good things must come to an end; so do all festivities. That will create space for a new beginning. At the same time it also gives all those who are involved in the festivities a relief, a break from the fast paced celebration. These 10 days of prayers to lord Ganesha of bringing Modaks and other sweets, of sharing and distributing Prasad to all who come to the Pandal for the Darshan pass very swiftly.

Today is the day of Visarjan. The devotees will immerse the idols of their favorite lord Ganpati in the sea. It’s the way of bidding adieu while requesting him to come again. Visarjan is also celebrated as a thankful sendoff to our favorite lord. It is said that whenever a new project is started with prayer to lord Ganpati, it brings good luck.

I have selected a number of images from the net which I consider truly reflect the festivities associated with Ganpati Visarjan. The sheer spirit and the enthusiasm with which the favorite lord is given a sendoff keeps people motivated enough to look forward to the next year’s celebration. Preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi are made a number of months before the festival begins. Now a days in Mumbai many housing societies have started making their own Mandaps. By this way social interaction among the society members is increased. Prayer to lord Ganesha becomes the common desire of all people residing in the society.

At the end of the photo gallery I have given some information about the beginning of the festival which will interest you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ganesh Chaturthi is said to have been celebrated since the days of Maratha rulers: Satavahana, Chalukya and Rashtrakuta. Mainly celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh with a lot of zeal and splendour, Ganesh Chaturthi is the most popular festival of Maharashtra. Ganesh Chaturthi was started by Chhatrapati Shivaji as a public event to promote traditions and nationalism, this festival was even celebrated by Peshwas to worship Ganapati as their family deity. The festivities remained a family affair until the festival was revitalised by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the late 19th Century, to take the message of freedom struggle to all Indians. This festival brought in a feeling of unity and togetherness in Indians that helped in revival of their patriotic spirit. Through the medium of this festival he brought together all the classes of societies against British by getting rid of the caste differences. He stressed on it that Ganesh Chaturthi was a festival for everyone irrespective of the caste or class, and so he organised cultural events like dance dramas, musical nights, and religious gatherings on this festival. That was the time when social and political gatherings weren’t allowed by the British. Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi that continued for ten days gave people of every religion the scope to interact and know each other. It is from that time this festival has been celebrated every year with great fervor all over the country.

Thanks for reading.