With the ten-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi festival celebration beginning on September 19,unique pandals and different forms of Bhagwan Ganesh mesmerise the devotees, ushering in a wave of excitement and devotion that has captivated hearts across India.
While many devotees bring an idol of Bhagwan Ganesh to their home to perform the rituals during the festival, large-scale community ‘pujas’ are also organised throughout the country.
The festival is celebrated every year with great fervour, with thousands of devotees thronging temples and pandals for the darshan of the Bhagwan Ganesh.
The 10-day festival ends when the idol is carried in a public procession with music and group chanting, then immersed in a nearby body of water such as a river or sea, called visarjan on the day of Anant Chaturdashi.
The festival celebrates Ganesh as the God of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles as well as the God of wisdom and intelligence.
Over 35,000 women recite prayers at Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple
On the second day of the ongoing Ganpati Mahotsav, the premises of Shrimant Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple reverberated with holy chants as more than 35,000 women gathered there to recite Ganpati ‘Atharvashirsha’ prayers on September 20 morning.
Women recited Ganpati ‘Atharvashirsha’ as part of the Ganeshotsav celebration on the occasion of Rishi Panchami, the second day of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, organised by Shreemant Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple trust.
A group of Russian nationals were also invited as guests to witness the prayer.
To participate in the traditional recital, women from across the city gathered near the Pandal early morning in traditional attire and attended the prayers.
108 different forms of Bhagwan Ganesh
One of the pandals, located in Jairampur Colony, in the city, has become a centre of attraction with 108 different forms of Bhagwan Ganesh being displayed there.
These 108 different forms of Bhagwan Ganesh include idols in the form of a conch shell, brinjal, portrayed as a cricketer, freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose, in the form of Sai Baba, Bhagwan Shiva, Krishna, Shivaji Maharaj School Boy, and many more.
The secretary of the public festival committee of Jairampur Colony, Anil Aaga told media, “We have been organising Ganesh Utsav in the colony for the last 40 years. Every year we place the idol of Bhagwan Ganesh on a different theme. This year Bhagwan Ganesh has been given 108 different forms.”
These idols have been made by Bengali artisans. Last year the idol was made in the form of Tricolour on the theme of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav 75th Independence Day, he added.
A devotee Priyanshi Shukla, who came to the pandal, told media, “It is a very unique concept. All the 108 Ganesh idols are different, it is the first time we have seen this.”
Other devotees also said that they had seen such different forms together for the first time.
Meanwhile, another pandal in the Sindhi colony in the city has been set up on the theme of Chandrayaan.
Speaking to media, Vishal Mata, who lives in Sindhi Colony said, “Youth Sindhi organisations make pandals on different themes every year. This year, in view of the success of Chandrayaan 3, a pandal has been made on the theme of Chandrayaan.”
Theme based Pandals
Social media platforms are abuzz with pictures and videos showcasing the artistry of theme-based pandals, each one distinguished by its unique and creative designs.
One of the most sought-after themes this year is Chandrayaan 3, India’s successful mission to the moon. Another unique pandal that has captivated the attention of many is the pandal built by the Cyber Cell Surat Police, which shares a message to beware of cyber fraud.
Interestingly, the pandal has an idol of Bhagwan Ganesha dressed up in police attire while several posters and billboards have been placed with instructions to avoid cyber fraud.
Another pandal in the city has been built on the Ramayana theme. The pandals have become the centre of attraction for visitors, especially for children.
Earlier on September 19 morning, devotees were observed reverently transporting idols of Bhagwan Ganesh aboard a local train at Mumbai’s Dadar railway station. Visuals showed people chanting in the chorus ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’.
(with inputs from ANI)
