Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated second year in a row at Regency Park. The event was bigger and more grand than before. The arrival of Ganesh ji was celebrated with music and dancing. The idol was brought into the campus with a lot of dancing and celebration. Panditji did the “sthapna” with complete rituals. All residents including children and senior citizens participated throughout with a lot of enthusiasm. The idol was kept for a day and since according to rituals the idol and place of worship must never be left unattended many residents volunteered to keep vigil during the day and night. While we were waiting during the afternoon we moved to the cool shade.
Sheetal Verma, our RWA secretary noticed that while we were all comfortable in the shade, Ganpati ji was out in the sharp sun. That’s when the idea of putting an umbrella came up. A pot was behind the idol and the umbrella stuck in it to give cool shade to Ganpati ji.
When God always thinks of our comfort, must we also not reciprocate in the same manner. During the evening there was an arrangement of a Kirtan Mandali which made the whole celebration come together. Young children presented a beautiful dance in praise of Ganpati choreographed as always by our very talented choreographer Rajani Kowshik Ma’am. Soon after the cultural program aarti was performed followed by the Visarjan of the idol. Everyone was shouting” Ganpati BappaMorya, PudchayaVarshiLaukarya” meaning Hail Ganpati our father, come again faster next year.
The Visarjan ceremony was conducted in an eco-friendly way using a tub of water. The water used for immersion and the mitti of the idol was later used in the garden. A Bhandaraprashad was organized for everyone after the celebrations. Such celebrations are important for all of us to remain in touch with our cultural heritage and for our children to learn about our traditions.
