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During the Ganesh chaturthi festival, clay idols of
Ganesha are specially prepared and most families in
Maharashtra install an idol for periods varying from two
days to eleven days. During the period when the idol of
Ganesha is installed in a home, every morning and
evening prayers (Aarti) are performed and hymns are
sung. The singing of hymns is a popular event during
this festival, especially for children. The hymns are
sung to the clanging of small gongs (called jhanja), the
sounds of which reverberate throughout the day.
The predominant sweet dish of Ganesh Chaturthi is the ‘modak’,
which is called ‘modagam’ in South India. ‘Karanjis’
also is the sweet dish of the festival. ‘Modak’ is a
dumpling of wheat flour or rice flour stuffed with
jaggery, dry or fresh grated coconut and other
condiments. This is fried or steamed. The word ‘modak’
implies ‘that brings happiness’. ‘Karanjis’ are quite
similar to ‘modaks’, but have the shape of the 4th day
moon.
The festival ends with the ceremony of immersion of the
idols in the sea or rivers and wells. This ceremony
which is called Ganesha-Visarjan which means immersion
of Ganesha is as popular as the festival proper. During
the immersion ceremony huge crowds move in a procession
carrying idols of Ganesha towards the places of
immersion. These processions which take place with great
fanfare, begin in the afternoon and continue till the
late hours of the night. Although this festival is
observed in all parts of the country, it is celebrated
with maximum fervour in Maharashtra where it is
celebrated both publicly and privately.
This festival occurs on the fourth day (chaturthi).
Ganesh Chaturthi occurs around August. In these public
celebrations huge images of Ganesha ranging from 10 feet
to 40 feet are installed and along with the daily
prayers and hymns, there are entertainment programmes
which are a major attraction. Till the turn of the last
century, this festival was celebrated only in homes and
temples.
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