He’s a big guy, yet he rides a small mouse
He’s a voracious eater and modaks are his favourite
There’s nothing that he does not know, he’s a storehouse
You will love him instantly, for he’s the most considerate
Parvati was irritated that she had no personal guard, who could let her have her bath undisturbed. At her wits' end, after so many interruptions, she formed a boy using soap lather. The boy looked cute and she gave him life and strict instructions that no one should bother her. Shiva, her husband, was in no mood to listen to a guard. Dressed as Rudra, he fought the guard, and soon the boy was defeated. Shiva did not know that Parvati had taken a special liking to the boy. She was inconsolable when she saw him dead. Left with no choice, Shiva knew he had to make amends. He went in search of a dead creature to replace the head of the child with and breathe life into it.
Time passed and he could not find any body. Finally, he found the head of a dead elephant. He brought it back and fixed it on the boy and christened him Ganesha.
Divine connect
Ganesha is an intelligent God and one who removes obstacles from your way. He is, therefore, invoked every time people start something new.
His intelligence is reflected in the story of him and Murugan circling the universe to see who would come first, and proving to be the older one. Ganesha circled his parents thrice, emphasising that parents are symbols of this world.
Dine with me
Kubera went to Kailash to see Shiva. He invited Shiva to a feast in Alakapuri, so that he could show off his wealth. Shiva told him that it would not be possible for him to come but he would send his son Ganesha. “He is a voracious eater,” he added. Kubera believed that he could satisfy anyone’s appetite. When Ganesha reached his city, he was treated royally and invited to the feast. Ganesha ate everything, including the decorations, tables, chairs, and flowers. Despite devouring the entire palace, Ganesha was still hungry. Kubera ran to Shiva for help. Shiva told him to give Ganesha a fistful of rice, offered with humility and not pride. That was the only way to stop Ganesha.
Celebrations galore
Each State celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with huge idols and sweets and savouries. However, it is in Maharashtra that this festival is held for almost 11 days. Many families make their own idols and set it up in their houses. Daily puja and offerings are made. There are many variations to the modaks that are offered as prasad . There are the traditional jaggery, coconut, nutmeg and also paneer and chocolate ones. The city of Mumbai comes alive and is usually seen bustling with activities, music and chanting. The last day marks the end of the festivities and the idol is taken through the streets of the city before it’s immersed in the sea.
