Yep, it’s that time of the year again. Bappa is back! Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival with is celebrated with grandeur and style to celebrate the birth of lord of wisdom.Many parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa bring home the idol of Lord Ganesha, hoping that Bappa brings prosperity and happiness into their homes. In Mumbai particularly, the enthusiasm of Bappa devotees is immense. And this year again, Mumbai gears up to welcome Bappa.
If you’ve never visited Mumbai, this would be the perfect time to explore the city, while seeing glimpses of faith and beauty in every corner. Societies, complexes, sectors bring in huge and marvelous idols of Lord Ganesha which are open to every Bappa devotee. Everyday for 11 days, special food is prepared which is put as bhog in front of the idol, prasad is made for every devotee who comes for darshan and good wishes are exchanged. It’s not just a festival, it’s a carnival of happiness.
There are various days as to which you can keep the idol at home. 1 and a half being the shortest duration to 11 days being the longest. After that, you immerse the idol into water, praying for happiness with a promise of Bappa returning back next year. Processions are carried out where devotees dance the whole way celebrate the spirit of togetherness and brotherhood, and most importantly, the spirit of faith.
Mumbai at this time of the year is the most beautiful place to see. From eateries like the scrumptious Modak (a prasad especially made during Ganesh Chaturthi) to beautiful flower garlands that are made for Bappa, everything echoes of the festival’s grandeur. There’s music, Ganpati dance, food, happiness, everything. It’s times like these that make you believe that humanity is not over as yet. Faith can bring people together and make them all dance to the tunes of Nasik dhol. Oh what a pretty sight!
Ganpati Bappa Moriya!
