Lord Ganesha or Ganpati ji, as we all lovingly call our dear deity, creates such an aura of warmth and splendour in our surroundings that we forget that we are in a midst of turmoil. He creates a calm and healthy being within us, giving us a righteous path to follow. He is remover of obstacles and brings good luck; the ‘deva’ of intellect and wisdom. Hence considered the god with whose blessings we begin anything auspicious; he is honoured at the start of any event.
During the just-concluded Ganpati Puja days, the celebration of welcoming Ganpati ji was organised by Dr. Shraddha and Dr. Puneet Vashistha at their residence in Sector 92. The ten-day long celebration was held from 19–29 September.
In the evening of 19 September the residents assembled at gate no 2 to welcome Ganpati ji. Dr.Puneet brought the lord in our home sector in a decorated vehicle. Many residents collected at the gate to welcome the Lord with flowers and playing dhol. It was a long procession from the gate and residents were filled with passion and love while moving along chanting slogans in praise of the deity and dancing, in an intense feeling of euphoria.
Every day early morning Aarti was performed at 7 am and the evening Aarti at 7pm. The residents waited eagerly for the aarti time each day to get the blessings of the Almighty and savour the divine modak prashad of Lord Ganesha. The same ritual was followed by all everyday and everyone enjoyed the rituals and festivities together.
On 27 September evening, the doctor couple organized a langar for all the residents, which was relished by all. The hot poori with spicy potatoes curry with pumpkin accompanied by sweet halwa was a treat to eat.
Next day, 28 September, Ganpati Visarjan was done with all the rituals and offering of maha prasad for Ganpati ji. With heavy heart and tears in eyes the lord was taken for the final journey, but with the hope to see Him again the next year. The residents put colours on Bappa and on each other and danced their way till River Hindon for visarjan. The bonding and love of residents grew many folds and was nurtured by each of them, waiting for next year to welcome the Bappa.
