State gears up for Ganesh Chaturthi

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2008-09-03
PANAJI - Ganesh Chaturthi, Vinayak Chaturthi or Chavat (as it is popularly known in Goa) would be celebrated with pomp and gaiety in hindu households and at community places throughout the state. The Ganesh Chaturthi festivities are billed as the biggest among the Hindus in Goa and in the neighbouring state of Maharashtra.
The festivities begin with Hindus throughout the state installing the idols of Lord Ganesh at designated and well-decorated places in their homes amidst bursting of crackers and chanting of mantras and playing of devotional songs. The idols are also installed at pandals erected for the community Ganesh (Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav) celebrations, similarly. The festival is also celebrated at police stations in the state.
The festival is celebrated as it is believed that Ganesh is known to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees. The festival is observed on the fourth day in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada. Ganesh, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is also widely worshipped as the supreme God of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune and is known to drive away all the evils.
Normally, the celebrations last from one and half day to 11 days. In most of Goan houses the celebrations are held for one and half day but some families hold the festivities for five or seven days. A few families, however, observe the celebrations for 21 days. The community celebrations are held for 5, 7, 9 or 11 days. At the end of the celebrations the idols would be immersed in water of rivers, wells, ponds, etc.
Meanwhile, the markets all over the state witnessed brisk business on Tuesday with people rushing to buy items necessary for celebrations along with clothes. Hundreds of local fruit and vegetable vendors were seen squatting in the market selling their products, which are considered essential for the Ganesh festivities. Though the prices of fire crackers and other fireworks have gone up, people were seen buying them in large quantities. The sweetmeat vendors also did brisk business with people buying modak (the utmost important offering made to Lord Ganesh) and other sweets to be distributed among the families and friends during celebrations.