Ganesh Chaturti is the festival of Lord Ganesh. This festival mostly takes place during the month of August-September. During this festival people worship Lord Ganesha. This festival is celebrated in every Hindu household and lasts for either 2, 7,9, 11 or 21 days . A clay idol of Lord Ganesha is brought home. It is then decorated with flowers , jewellry and some paper work.There are special people who make these idols. A wooden frame is also decorated with coloured papers and other decorative articles. This is called as "Makar" in local language. Another wooden frame is hung on top or in front of the makar . Different types of fruits and vegetable are hung on this wooden frame. This is known as "Matoli'.On the first day , a Hindu priest performs some rituals and offerings are made to the Lord by the people. Religious hymns known as "aartis" are sung , after which lunch is commenced.
During this festival all Hindus eat pure vegetarian food , which excludes the use of onion , garlic, mushrooms and ginger (to name a few). Markets are flooded with different kinds of vegetables, fruits, fireworks, etc. The prices just boom up during this time !! Many sweets are prepared during this festival. Some of them are "nevryos", "modaks", "patoli". Out of these the modak is believed to be the favourite sweet of Lord Ganesha. Food is served on a banana leaf during this occassion. For the lunch one can savour a variety of tasty vegetarian dishes. To name a few are :
Khatkhatem : Different types of vegetables are used for preparing this dish, some of which are shown below.
During this festival all Hindus eat pure vegetarian food , which excludes the use of onion , garlic, mushrooms and ginger (to name a few). Markets are flooded with different kinds of vegetables, fruits, fireworks, etc. The prices just boom up during this time !! Many sweets are prepared during this festival. Some of them are "nevryos", "modaks", "patoli". Out of these the modak is believed to be the favourite sweet of Lord Ganesha. Food is served on a banana leaf during this occassion. For the lunch one can savour a variety of tasty vegetarian dishes. To name a few are :
Khatkhatem : Different types of vegetables are used for preparing this dish, some of which are shown below.
Puri
Mugagatthi: This is prepared from sprouted beans and coconut.
Chana Tondak : Also known as channa masala, it is made of grams and coconut.
Pysam : A sweet dish made of rice, coconut milk or milk and a variety of dry fruits.
Kheer : Again a sweet dish made of vermiceli, coconut milk or milk and a variety of dry fruits.
Puri : Serves the purpose of bread/chapati and is made from wheat flour or all purpose flour(maida).
Varan : Made of gram dal and is eaten along with rice .
Saar: Watery dish made from coconut milk, jaggery and is eaten along with rice.
Patoli : Made from rice flour or semolina(rava) , coconut and jaggery. This is then baked in a turmeric leaf.
Pickle : Spicy mix of vegetable, especially raw mangoes or carrot or mixed vegetables.
Papad : Made of gram flour, chilli , and is either deep fried or roasted.
In addition to these, vegetables such as lady finger, chillies and potato are sliced, dipped into a gram flour paste and deep fried in oil. The result of this is called as "Bhajis" or "Bhajias" in local language.Coconut plays an important role in preparation of most of the food items.Apart from food, children enjoy this festival with a lot of firecrackers. People visit their friends/relatives to wish them on this festive occassion. Each household is lighted and decorated with flowers and "Rangoli". Rangoli is the result of art, creativity and patience. It is a traditional Indian art created using various materials such as coloured powders, seeds and grains, flower petals , etc. It is a form of sand painting.
In many places there are huge idols made of Lord Ganesha. These creations are worth watching made by creative and artistic minds. The idols are made from glass, paper, coconut shells, bottle caps, flowers, etc etc...... People flock to get a glimpse of this art. Along with idols various scenaries are also made. These scenaries depict the birth as well as the history of Lord Ganesh.
On the last night of the festival, the idol of Lord Ganesha is immersed into the sea. One can witness long processions during this time. Aartis are sung on the way to the destination. This is the way Ganesh Chaturti is celebrated . There could be some modifications though!! People may enjoy the festival in different ways!
Immersion
