Teacher's Day was celebrated last week but feels like it isn't over yet because we have another academic to celebrate this weekend.The one who wrote down the Mahabharata, the guru of the gurus and the friend of us all...guess who? Bola, Ek, Don, Teen, Char, Ganpati Cha Jay Jaykaar!”
These cries have filled the streets of Mumbai and India for generations. It always fascinated us how religion could be and indeed is, a double-edged sword, as regardless of the division it brings, it also unites people together. Ganapati is the pride of India itself, regardless of one's religion, everyone comes to celebrate the boisterous festival. Lord Ganesha, whose name quite literally stands for “Gana” as in people and “Isha” as in Lord. It's therefore not surprising that the festival of the lord of the people attracts millions, in and outside the country. Mumbai specifically is colored red and orange when the auspicious day of Ganesh Utsav arrives. As the Dhol Tasha mimics the thunderous beating of our excited hearts, Mumbai seems to dance in anticipation of Bappa’s arrival. For the next eleven days then, there is no peace or quiet as the city forgets the flow of time in the drunken haze of celebration and festivities.
But when did this tradition begin? A festival as old as time, it was always there, perhaps not as prominent and hyped as it is today, however with a different connotation. There was a time in history when India was plunged in the darkness of war, invasion and the deprivation of freedom. The times of the Mughal Empire and the British Raj were oppressing and suffocating. Ganpati, while a Hindu God, is mostly celebrated by Maharashtrians. This is due to the celebrations being started by Maratha rulers, such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, during the Mughal reign as a sign of celebration to counter their dark surroundings and situation, as well as being popularized by a Maharashtrian, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, i.e., Lokmanya Tilak. The history of the beginning of “Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav”, i.e., Public celebration of Ganesh Utsav is a famous and unique one. This tradition was started by Lokmanya Tilak, not to bring unity and celebration like other festivals, but to sow the seeds of revolution. He believed that it would be easier to evade the British during religious celebrations, which the British were not allowed to disrupt, allowing the revolutionaries to meet in the large, assembled crowds and trade secret information and plan revolt meetings. Lokmanya Tilak's belief would be proven right as revolutionary activity increased in intensity with the British left none the wiser. This is what makes the humble beginnings of Ganesh Utsav unique. For all the united celebration it brings today, the festival was once used as a brewery for revolution and chaos, stemming from a desire for freedom. An age-old proof of the fine line between “Devotion” and “Revolution”, “ŕ¤ŕ¤•्ति” and “क्रांति”, “Ibaadat” and “Inquilaab”.
The legacy of Ganpati and Ganesh Utsav left behind for us, goes beyond the more tactical uses of it. After all, it is not like the Utsav was celebrated only by the Marathas, and only during the Mughal and British reigns. No, it existed almost since the Vedic period, and to say otherwise means erasing history. The myths and fables that make up the awe we feel when we look at Bappa, the different Avatars of Ganpati, so skilfully portrayed in the murtis, and the melodies of the countless stotras, bhajans and geets that float in the night air, are all part of that invaluable gist of legacy handed down to us.
But as we conclude, it would be wrong to overlook that the spirit of this festival does not restrict itself to national borders. Immersion of Ganpati idols is seen on banks of River Thames in London as well as the North Sea. Lord Ganesha has his presence in several places, whether it's as Kangiten in Japan or as Phra Phikanet in Thailand. Different names, yet the same Lord of fortune and remover of obstacles. Metaphors are instilled into this deity and his images, which often go unappreciated. The weapon axe to repel and strike obstacles, the mouse representing the human ego and mind, that constantly wanders, and the control that Lord Ganesha symbolizes as he sits on the mouse is the control we try to achieve, allowing us to channel our thoughts and ego instead of letting it lead us.
As we welcome Lord Ganesha in 2024, let's unlearn and relearn what we seem to know. Amid all this celebration, we hope this still snippet of our knowledge guides you through the chaos:
1. Safety & Security - Remember, every festival comes with a handful of pollution. We hope you do your part, and whilst dancing to the tunes of the Deva's arrival, adhere to the decibel level limitations. Remember, we don't want Mushak or any other creatures in vain in moments of enjoyment.
2. Colours All Week! - Do not miss the opportunity to glam this time of the year. Revisit your mum's old sarees and restyle your Gudi Padwa kurti. Ganesh Chaturthi is an all inclusive festival - so there's lots of space for funky eye looks and a raging red lip. Or maybe just let the glow of the joy illuminated the festivities.
3. Let The Sea Breathe - With all the immersions coming up, we must discard waste efficiently. Reducing the amount of flowers, sparing the water of any toxic paints or even avoiding natural water bodies all together can help the environment recover.
4. Sweet Overload - Calories don't count for Ganpati. Your tastebuds deserve to indulge in Modaks, Pedas and if you're lucky, Puran Polis. Of course, health must be a priority. However, these delicacies only show up in the best of their forms now. It's a part of our culture to relish these meals after all.
5. Devotion Duties - The more Ganpati visits, the more blessings you get. That's a real rule. The city is especially all dressed up for you. Use this opportunity and meet your loved ones. It's the perfect excuse to have more Prashad as well ;)
Let's look at different perspectives, explore bits and pieces of mythology that we previously missed and let's truly immerse ourselves into this festival of Lord Ganesha. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to each and everyone!
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