Having spent 2 decades of my life in Gujarat, I became exposed to the Ganapati celebrations primarily after I moved to Pune at the age of 21.
I got to see the celebrations in a relative's home as well as in our housing society. Ever since our daughter came into the picture, I even experienced the whole Ganapati idol-making, decorating, welcome and farewell with dhol-tasha, Ganesh prati-sthapana pooja, prasad and various cultural events / sports.
When my daughter turned 2, I started maintaining a scrap book in which I pasted Ganesh pictures that came in newspapers, magazines etc. for her collection. I was awed by the creativity shown in the making of Ganesh sculptures as well as the various advertisements in the paper on occasion of Ganesh chaturthi. Not only the idols, but also the innovative decorations that people came up with at their homes and in their societies. The different "dekhave", meaning themes, for Ganapati celebrations were mindblowing. The colors, materials, rangolis, flower decorations, modak preparations, delicacies served during the 10 days at homes, pandals, restaurants etc. There are contests for the Ganesh / Gauri decorations and one of our neighbors used to win it year after year.
The themes now span across desserts, Avengers superheros, political situations, movies - you name it. Though this is similar to the Durga pooja furore in West Bengal and Navrathri Golu in Tamilnadu - this kind of excitement not only provides for social engagements, it also benefits the economy. Earlier, I used to be super impressed by the grandeur of it all - but over the years I am moved more by the simplicity in the execution of these festivals. Somewhere along the way, the real reason for the festivities is lost and it became a holiday and fun season. Simplicity and sobriety are so much more attractive - guess its my age :-)
But I love how my daughter and her friends are totally caught up in the fever of this festival every year. Culture and tradition beat the entertainment provided by the malls any day !
I got to see the celebrations in a relative's home as well as in our housing society. Ever since our daughter came into the picture, I even experienced the whole Ganapati idol-making, decorating, welcome and farewell with dhol-tasha, Ganesh prati-sthapana pooja, prasad and various cultural events / sports.
When my daughter turned 2, I started maintaining a scrap book in which I pasted Ganesh pictures that came in newspapers, magazines etc. for her collection. I was awed by the creativity shown in the making of Ganesh sculptures as well as the various advertisements in the paper on occasion of Ganesh chaturthi. Not only the idols, but also the innovative decorations that people came up with at their homes and in their societies. The different "dekhave", meaning themes, for Ganapati celebrations were mindblowing. The colors, materials, rangolis, flower decorations, modak preparations, delicacies served during the 10 days at homes, pandals, restaurants etc. There are contests for the Ganesh / Gauri decorations and one of our neighbors used to win it year after year.
The themes now span across desserts, Avengers superheros, political situations, movies - you name it. Though this is similar to the Durga pooja furore in West Bengal and Navrathri Golu in Tamilnadu - this kind of excitement not only provides for social engagements, it also benefits the economy. Earlier, I used to be super impressed by the grandeur of it all - but over the years I am moved more by the simplicity in the execution of these festivals. Somewhere along the way, the real reason for the festivities is lost and it became a holiday and fun season. Simplicity and sobriety are so much more attractive - guess its my age :-)
But I love how my daughter and her friends are totally caught up in the fever of this festival every year. Culture and tradition beat the entertainment provided by the malls any day !
