Ganesha Chaturthi is just ahead. The 10-day festival will take off on Monday, the 2nd of September. The festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the Lord of Wisdom. The next ten days will see colorful festivities across the country in which everyone, means everyone participates. It is probably the most popular of the festivals of India.
The festivities will commence with people welcoming an idol of Lord Ganesha at home or at a public pandal with cheerfulness and devotion; for the next 10 days, they will worship Him with utmost devotion. It is believed that those prayers made during Ganesh Chaturthi are always answered – all obstacles to a happy and prosperous life are removed. We all want that don’t we? After 10 days the idols of Lord Ganesha are submerged in the Holy river or sea which symbolizes Lord Ganesha’s path to heaven.
Let’s Party (the party planners led by the popular compere, party planner and former beauty pageant winner, Sowjanya Hegde) together with the Leos of District 17D and Foxwell Productions are conducting an Idol Making competition – “My Friend Ganesha” – on the 7th September 2019 at 4.00 PM at the Forum Fiza Mall, Mangaluru. Newskarnataka.com and V4 News are the media partners for the event.
Lord Ganesha is recognized by his big elephant head, distinct belly, and his mount, a small mouse. He is known as Vignaharta or destroyer of all the problems or obstacles. The long ears of Ganesha signify that he hears whatever his devotees say to him. The elephant head of Ganesha signifies wisdom. When Lord Shiva replaced the head of Ganesha with an elephant head, he bestowed Ganesha with several divine powers and announced that no auspicious work can start or be complete without worshipping Lord Ganesha and taking his blessings. So he is always worshipped first.
The uniqueness of this idol-making competition is twofold – one: Any material can be used – In the past, balloons, cotton, paper etc have been used! And the choice is entirely up to the participant as he / she has to bring the material; and two: it has four categories of competition based on age – below 5 years, 5-10 years, 11-15 years and, for those who are more team-oriented, an open house team competition in which teams of between 2 & 5 can come together and demonstrate their creativity. While participation is the key to enjoying the day, if you are placed 1st 2nd or 3rd in any of the categories – you have an assured prize.
An idol of Lord Ganesha is unique and central to the festivities. And here lies the importance of making an idol of Lord Ganesha. Not only is it fun, but it is religiously significant, and imbues the spirit of the occasion in those involved in making the idols.
Most Idols are made with clay, but with environment consciousness peaking, many other materials are being used, and this competition is meant to be fun, enhance the excitement of the occasion, imbibe the inherent spirituality and of course obtain the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
There can be no better way to invoke the Lord Ganesha’s blessings and imbuing the spirit of the occasion than making an idol of the Lord Ganesha with your own hands; so be there at Forum Fiza Mall, Mangaluru on 7th September 2019 at 4.00 PM
Inquiries can be made by calling +91 89718 96917 or +91 9611299644
