Ganesh Idol Making Aug'09
Ganesh Chaturthi [Birthday Of Lord Ganesh] is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha and is known as the day most sacred to Lord Ganesha. It falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August - September). It is observed throughout India, as well as by devoted Hindus in all parts of the world. The celebrations are really big in Mumbai as can be seen here in the pictures taken at Chowpatty beach.
Lord Ganesha is the elephant-headed God. He is worshipped first in any prayers. His Names are repeated first before any auspicious work is begun, before any kind of worship is begun. He is the Lord of power and wisdom. He is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and the elder brother of Skanda or Kartikeya. By worshipping Lord Ganesha mothers hope to earn for their sons the sterling virtues of Ganesha. During the festivals day's beautifully sculpted Ganesh idols are installed in the Mandaps (large tents) that are colourfully decorated, depicting religious themes or current events. There are huge public displays of Ganesh idols with Aarti (song of devotion to God) and loud music and dancing by the devotees. Later these idols are ceremoniously immersed into the sea (or lakes).
The 'aarti' and 'sthapan puja' (devotional worship) is held in various pandals (associations) to mark the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Millions of Mumbaikars remained awake through the night making last minute preparations for the installation of gigantic, medium and small idols of Lord Ganesh in different public venues, housing complexes and homes. It is estimated that over 300,000 big and small idols started arriving in the city from artists' studios in different parts of Mumbai and Raigad. Over 12,500 registered associations, apart from the 40,000 private housing complexes, prepare for a few weeks prior to the popular festival.
Read MoreLord Ganesha is the elephant-headed God. He is worshipped first in any prayers. His Names are repeated first before any auspicious work is begun, before any kind of worship is begun. He is the Lord of power and wisdom. He is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and the elder brother of Skanda or Kartikeya. By worshipping Lord Ganesha mothers hope to earn for their sons the sterling virtues of Ganesha. During the festivals day's beautifully sculpted Ganesh idols are installed in the Mandaps (large tents) that are colourfully decorated, depicting religious themes or current events. There are huge public displays of Ganesh idols with Aarti (song of devotion to God) and loud music and dancing by the devotees. Later these idols are ceremoniously immersed into the sea (or lakes).
The 'aarti' and 'sthapan puja' (devotional worship) is held in various pandals (associations) to mark the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Millions of Mumbaikars remained awake through the night making last minute preparations for the installation of gigantic, medium and small idols of Lord Ganesh in different public venues, housing complexes and homes. It is estimated that over 300,000 big and small idols started arriving in the city from artists' studios in different parts of Mumbai and Raigad. Over 12,500 registered associations, apart from the 40,000 private housing complexes, prepare for a few weeks prior to the popular festival.