Panchali Dey, TIMESOFINDIA.COM, TRAVEL TRENDS, INDIA Created : Sep 10, 2021, 16:00 IST
Credit: iStock
01
Here’s how Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in different states of India
Known by multiple names, including Ganesha Chaturthi, Ganeshotsav, Vinayaka Chaturthi, this festival is celebrated with much fervor across the country. The 10-day festival starts with the installation of an idol of Lord Ganesha in most households, which culminates with the idol procession that leads to Ganesha Visarjan (immersing the idol of Ganesha in sea waters).
It is interesting to note that the festival is celebrated across the country; here we take a look at how Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in various cities in India.
Note: Due to COVID-19 crisis, the festival will not be celebrated in a grand manner to ensure people are safe and safety protocols are in place. It’s also advised that people celebrate the festival in their homes, and avoid visiting crowded places.
Credit: iStock
02
Mumbai
During this time, the bustling city of Mumbai seems more lively amidst loud bellows of Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya. One can witness huge idols of Lord Ganesha, displayed in decorated pandals across the city. If you are here during this time, you will witness how the city comes alive in vibrant colours, with idols being installed both at famous pandals and at homes. Some of the popular pandals to visit if you are in Mumbai are Lalbaugcha Raja, Khetwadi Ganraj, Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja, Andhericha Raja, and others. And, on the 10th day, a carnival-like march is witnessed, when the idol is taken to immerse in the Arabian Sea.
Credit: iStock
03
Delhi
Ganesh Chaturthi in Delhi will offer you a glimpse of all cultural and traditional rituals that are practised in different parts of the country, owing to its cosmopolitan nature. While, in some places, you might spot gigantic idols of Lord Ganesha, you will get to hear chants from Vedas and Upanishads that are being read by priests of temples in others. During this time, pandals are creatively decorated, where the public indulges in some fun and frolic to hail and celebrate the birth of God Ganesha.
Credit: iStock
04
Goa
Just like Maharashtra, the neighbouring state of Goa also celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with great pomp and show. People start preparing for the celebration by cleaning their houses and visiting relatives and friends during this festival.
Marcel and Mapusa are two prominent places where Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated widely, owing to a number of temples present in these regions. Tourists and devotees from across the country flock to Goa to be a part of the colourful festivities, and also pay obeisance to the Lord. You can plan a trip to Goa during this time, and book the best budget hotels to enjoy the festival to the fullest.
Credit: iStock
05
Tamil Nadu
During Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees visit different temples across Tamil Nadu, and celebrate it with great fervor, by performing special aartis and pujas. Like Delhi and Maharashtra, huge pandals are also set, where huge Ganesh idols are placed for people to visit and offer prayers.
Further, in South Indian states, Gauri or Gowri Habba is celebrated one day before Ganesh Habba or Ganesh Chaturthi. On this day, Goddess Gauri, the mother of Lord Ganesha is worshipped, and the celebration is based on the belief that first Goddess Gauri is greeted into the house of the devotee, and Lord Ganesha is welcomed the next day. As such, Tamil Nadu also starts the celebration by first worshipping Goddess Gauri.
Credit: iStock
06
Karnataka
Karnataka celebrates the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi in different ritualistic and traditional ways. During this time, the festival starts a day earlier, when prayers are offered to Goddess Gauri, the mother of Lord Ganesh. Then, the Ganesh festival starts in a grand fashion, and sweets like gojju, modakam, and payasam are prepared and distributed. People offer obeisance to both Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri, which begins with the installation of an idol of Lord Ganesha in most households
Credit: iStock
07
Pune
Along with Mumbai, Pune is also known for celebrating this festival, and is worth a visit. Pune, which is the cultural capital of Maharashtra, puts up some of the best pujas in the state, which are attended by people from across the region. Ladoos, modak, and other sweets are offered to the Lord, and people perform traditional dances during the festival.
If you visit Pune during this occasion, you can experience tradition, culture, art and delicious food, which is authentic to Maharashtra, and you will surely love them.
Credit: iStock
08
Hyderabad 1
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Hyderabad too. The 10-day festival brings people together to celebrate it with great vigour and fervour. Enormous idols of Lord Ganesha can be witnessed in huge pandals, where people are allowed to visit to pay obeisance. During this festival, special dishes like undrallu and kudumulu are prepared along with rice porridge, for offerings to the Lord.
For years, Khairatabad, a famous mandal in Hyderabad, has been known for installing one of the tallest idols of Ganesha, which can go up to 60 ft, and laddu, weighing close to 5600 kg is placed in the left hand of the Lord as an offering to him.
