The District celebrates the Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi, with much pomp and grandeur. Mangalore’s cosmopolitan citizens are all one while doing so, but this time, conscious of their environment, they are doing so in eco-friendly ways.
Ganesha Chaturthi celebrates the rebirth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati today, on Friday August 29. As per the Hindu calendar the festival starts in the month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period) and usually ends on Anant Chaturdashi (fourteenth day of the waxing moon period). It is a 10-day festival marking the birthday of Ganesh, who is widely worshiped for his auspicious beginnings.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with special prayers offered to Gauri, the mother of Lord Ganesh. Married women pray to Goddess Gauri, seeking blessings of Lord Ganesha for a long and happy married life. Devotees often clean their houses before bring the Lord Ganesh into their homes and installing the deity. Special prayers, devotional chanting and singing are performed on all 10 days, and celebrants prepare sweets to distribute during the festival.
Ganesha Idols:
Prior to the festival, skilled artisans prepare clay models of Lord Ganesh. The beautiful artworks of Ganesha are the main attraction during this festivity. Artists make idols for homes and Public viewing (Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava).
Newskarnataka spoke to some of the Idol artisans / artists. Umesh Kotian, an artist from Malpe said that “most of the artists here have years of experience in making Ganesha idols and every artist tries to make the best out of their experience”.
As the artists use their experience and artistry to create the most beautiful Ganeshas, we cannot but, admire their work. Little do we realize the hard work and the risks that go into making them. There is always the chance that the idols may break if the clay remains wet on the inside.
Ramesh Kidiyoor an artist from Kunjibettu says, “the beautiful color for these idols comes from water based paints, so these idols are environment friendly”. He makes more than 300 idols per year and encourages eco-friendly Ganesha idols. He added, “Customers do not demand any specific model of Lord Ganesha; they just want their Ganesh to be beautiful and the rest is up to us”.
The Markets too Celebrate:
Festival fervor has gripped the city markets and road sides as well. People are busy selling festival essentials such as flowers, fruits and sweets during the season.
The chants of Ganapati Bappa Morya are already in the air as the 10-day long festival of Ganesh Chaturthi has kicked off its celebrations in their homes, temples and the well adorned pandals that dot the landscape of Mangalore.
Newskarnataka wishes that Lord Ganesha, the remover of all hurdles, and Lord of Success, may bless you abundantly. May the Lord Ganesha bestow you with eternal bliss, peace and contentment!
