Venkat Raman
Auckland, August 22, 2020
The disastrous spread of Novel Coronavirus worldwide has restricted the movement of people in many countries, locking them down either to their homes or their limited bubbles.
Therefore, Ganesh Chaturthi this year will be somewhat subdued – to the extent that there will be no mass gatherings at Temples and homes, which is a traditional way of marking the Prime God of the Hindus, venerated as ‘The Remover of All Obstacles.’
However, millions of Hindus all over the world will celebrate the Birthday of Lord Ganesha today in the same spirit of love and respect, although confined to their homes. We are not sure how the Festival will be marked in India, for the country sees the largest and most colourful event on Ganesh Chaturthi, followed by 11 days of prayers and gatherings.
Special Poojas at Temples
In South Auckland suburb of Papakura, which houses the Deity of ‘Pillayarpatti Vinayagar,’ or the Deity of Lord Ganesha as ‘found’ in ‘Pillayarpatti, a small town about 12 Kms from Karaikudi and about 70 Kms from Madurai in Tamil Nadu, a Special Pooja was held early this morning.
Thiru Subramaniyar Aalayam in Mangere, Auckland is also celebrating ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ with special Poojas today.
Similar reports are coming in from the ‘New Zealand Thirumurugan Temple’ in Otahuhu, and other Temples throughout New Zealand.
Epitome of admiration and adoration
Lord Ganesha is an epitome of love, respect, friendship, admiration and adoration. He is an important member of every family and is the first Lord of Prayer.
Vedic scriptures describe Lord Ganesha as the Most Merciful of Gods and hence, prayers are offered before the start of any venture. Similarly, all prayers – at home, at temples and at other social and community gatherings, begin with obeisance to this God, the first son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.
Ganesh Chaturthi, marking the Birthday of Lord Ganesha is celebrated by Hindus everywhere. This year’s celebration starts today- August 22, 2020.
While Temples and social groups will perform special Poojas (mostly as private events), Ganesh Chaturthi will be marked by thousands of people in their homes throughout New Zealand and other parts of the world. Unlike the past, evenings this year will be sans visits by relatives and friends, which, apart from the religious aspect, also serve to foster goodwill and understanding.
The Pooja
Writing in Indian Newslink September 15, 2015 issue, Sai Bedekar, one of our photographers, had said that Ganesh Pooja involves the ‘Panchamrut’ or ‘five nectars,’ including milk, curd, ghee, honey and jaggery, with which the idol is bathed.
He is then soiled with sandal paste and cleaned with water.
“The Lord is then adorned by a red cloth called, ‘Vastra’ and the sacred thread. He is offered red flowers, ‘durva’ (grass), red hibiscus and food and smeared with ‘kumkum.’ A lamp is lit and Pooja bells ring while reciting Aarti. The main sweet-dish presented as ‘nevedya’ through this period is Modakas (Modagams in South India) and Karanjis. A Modaka is like a dumpling made from rice flour with a stuffing of fresh coconut, jaggery and dry fruits and is either steam-cooked or fried. Karanjis are half-moon shaped and taste like modakas.
On the last day, following the Pooja, rice grains are placed on the head of the idol.
At sunset, the idol is immersed in a well or a river, with the recitation of ‘Ganapati Bappa Moraya, Pudchya Varshi Lawkar Ya,’ inviting Him to return next year.”
Auspicious Day
Ganesh Chaturthi is observed on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada and is observed by devoted Hindus all over the world from two to 11 days.
Maharashtrians, like their Hindu compatriots worldwide, induct their children into learning with ‘Om Sri Ganeshaya Namaha.’
Several Names
Ganesha is known by a variety of names including Aumkara, Balachandra, Dhoomraketu, Ekadantha, Gajakarnaka, Gajanana, Heramba, Kapila, Lambodara, Siddhivinayaka, Skandapurvaja, Sumukha, Surpakarna, Vakratunda, Vignaraja, Vigneshwara and Vinayaka. He is also known by many as Maha-Ganapathi.
There are also public celebrations called ‘Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav’ of this festival in various parts of cities, with the local communities (mandals) with contributions from residents. It is common for groups to compete in creating the biggest and best idol and in presenting cultural programmes after dusk.
Radical nationalist Bal Gangadhar Tilak organised Ganesh Utsav in 1893 and since then, the festival is held throughout Maharashtra, evincing widespread community interest.
