About Ganesh Chaturthi

You can feel the winds of enthusiasm flowing around in Konkan as the Ganesh Festival approaches. The idol makers become busy in creating different types of Ganesh idols, 3-4 months before the festival. The native Konkani people, who might have settled for their jobs or business purposes in any corner of India, make it a point to return to their native village for the Ganesh Utsav celebrations.

Lord Ganesh arrives in each and every household and Wadi in Konkan and you can hear the melodious prayers being sung in every household with a perfect rhythm on the percussion. Different kinds of colourful decorations are made for their beloved Bappa. The arrival of Gauri, the Goddess,on the third day is the most joyful moment for women. They prepare a variety of sweets for Gauri and Ganpati with enthusiasm. The traditional sweets such as steamed Modak and Puranpoli which are the favourite delicacies of Lord Ganesh are prepared.

There is a huge reunion in every household making each & every family member who have moved to other cities for work to take part in the celebration. The festival lasts for around 5 to 11 days as per the household owner's wish. During this period number of religious & cultural activities takes place in every household such as Bhajan, Jakhadi Nrutya, Naman, Fugdi, etc.

The festival ends with ‘Ganesh Visarjan’ i.e. the immersion of idols which takes place on the eleventh day is the epitome of enthusiasm and excitement. All the Ganesh idols from the entire Wadis are brought to a common place. The loud rhythm of Dhol Tashas begins in the afternoon. After the collective prayer of all the Ganesh idols, the devotees take their own idols for submersion. You cannot miss the beautiful procession of the people which begins in the late evening sunlight, amidst the multicolour Gulal being thrown around and the melodious sound of the instruments being played.

The natives say goodbye to their wonderful guest with a heavy heart who has stayed with them for eleven days. With an invitation for the next year they say, ‘Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Laukar Ya.