Dayanand Kukkaje / Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Aug 28: The country is celebrating Vinayaka Chaturthi, the birthday of Lord Ganesha, who happens to be the remover of obstacles, god for auspicious beginnings, apart from wisdom and talent. Being elephant god, Lord Ganesha is fond of fruits, sugarcane, coconut, banana, and such other things. People also prepare and offer Modak, which is said to be dear to Lord Ganesha, during Vinayaka Chaturthi festival, which begins on Friday August 29. 'Gowri Habba' is celebrated a day prior to Ganesh Chaturthi. The markets on Thursday August 28 were abuzz with activity.

Lord Ganesha idols are created by specialist craftsmen who normally are trained in the art which is gifted from generations. There are many who take up this task out of individual interest. Clay idols and natural colours need to be used to make these idols, as synthetic paints, plaster of paris etc can pollute the water resources and add poison to drinking water.

In the city, artistes located at Mannagudda, Car Street, and Gollarakery are well-known for their skill at making these idols. For an idol to be eligible for being worshiped, it has to be made in a particular way, and should not be cracked anywhere. The idols are brought in a procession to the accompaniment of musical instruments to pandals or houses of individuals, after which prayers are offered and pujas are performed. Devotion reigns supreme during Vinayaka Chaturthi, and children in particular, take part in the activities with enthusiasm.

Vinayaka Chaturthi falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi as per Hindu calendar, which is August 29 this year. Idols are kept for five days at Sangh Niketan and KSRTC in the city, whereas there are some who continue to perform puja for ten days, before immersing the idols. As Lord Ganesha is also related to art, talent, and wisdom, it is common to see stage performances including music, discourses, dances, dramas, Yakshagana performance, devotional songs, musical nights etc being performed at the pandals.

A look at the idols create in us a sense of devotion and appreciation for the skills of the artisans who make these idols. Let us hope that the Ganesha festival this time will herald a new era of progress, peace, and prosperity for our region in particular and the country as a whole.