Dear friends, I hope this message finds you well. I recently had a short break that took me out of station and I was also fully immersed in the joyful celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. It was a much-needed time away.

Now that I am back and can’t wait to catch up with each one of you. I have missed our conversations and the life’s updates we share over here. Please expect a visit from me ASAP as I am looking forward to hearing all about what’s been going on in your lives.

Here is a write up and few pictures of Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Hope you all enjoy reading me, especially this sweet story of festivities. Thank you all in advance.

Among the gentle hum of a sunlit studio, a sculptor’s hands engage in a delicate dance with a block of stone. With each touch of the chisel, a fragment of divinity emerges from the rough surface. The sculptor’s gaze is one of unwavering focus, a bridge between the material and the spiritual. As the figure of Lord Ganesha takes form, it’s evident that this is more than just a creative process – it’s an act of devotion.

The sculptor’s fingers navigate the contours of the stone, coaxing out the curve of a smile, the gentle shape of an eyebrow and the intricate details of adornments. There’s an unspoken conversation between the artist and the soon-to-be deity, a communion of reverence and artistic intuition. In the minutiae of each stroke, faith and artistry together breathing life into the inanimate stone.

As the sculpture nears completion, the studio seems to hold it’s breath, enveloped in an aura of sanctity. The sculptor’s satisfaction is palpable, a reflection of the devotion poured into the piece. Every tap of the chisel has been guided by a deep-rooted connection, a channel for the divine to manifest in tangible form. In the final moments, as the last details fall into place, Ganesha stands as a symbol not only of craftsmanship but of a soulful dialogue between the human and the divine.

When Ganesh Chaturthi arrives, this sculpture will bear witness to the seamless blend of spiritual veneration and artistic expression. It will remind all who gaze upon it that in the act of creation, the boundaries between the sacred and the artistic blur, leaving behind a testament to the profound beauty that can arise when human hands are guided by a heart full of devotion.

Gauri Poojan: It is a celebration dedicated to Goddess Gauri, who is considered the divine consort of Lord Shiva and the mother of Lord Ganesha. Typically, Gauri Poojan takes place on the third day of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, although it can vary by region and tradition. During this ritual, a clay or turmeric idol of Goddess Gauri is crafted with great care and devotion. The idol is adorned with jewelry, flowers, and traditional attire, making it look resplendent. adds a beautiful dimension to the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, emphasizing the importance of both Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri in Hindu mythology and the significance of balance and harmony in life.

Steamed “Modaks” are sweet dumplings made from Rice floor dough and a sweet delicious mixture of jaggery and grated coconut, they hold a special place in the hearts of devotees during the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. It is a special treat offered to Lord Ganesha during this festival.

On the 11th day of festival the day called Anantha Chaturthi, a grand procession led by a resplendent idol of Lord Ganesha would be celebrated it’s way through the wide streets, accompanied by drum beats, crackers, rain of flowers from the high floored buildings and chanting & dancing devotees.

Finally, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the idol was carried to the nearby river for immersion, symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution. The town united in this act of farewell, bidding adieu to their beloved Lord Ganesha with both tears and smiles, knowing that his blessings would return next year.

The video is of Lalbagh Raja, is one of the most famous and revered Ganesh idols in Mumbai, India. It is known for its grandeur, size, and the massive crowds it attracts during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Lalbagh Raja is situated in the Lalbaug area of Mumbai and is hosted by the Lalbaug Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, one of the oldest and most prominent Ganesh mandals (associations) in the city. The idol of Lalbagh Raja is typically one of the largest in Mumbai, standing tall and imposing, often reaching several stories in height.

Copyright ©️ Suma Reddy

Note: festivity 📷 are from my phone

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