The Konkan region’s most anticipated and widely celebrated festival began yesterday, 13th September. All over Goa, Chaturthi celebrations are underway after having installed idols of Lord Ganesh in their homes. Some may keep the idol for one and a half days while others may do it for five, nine or eleven days. However, no matter how short or how long the idols remain in each house, the festival is celebrated with great pomp and fervor.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations across Goa
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations don’t just happen in individual homes. It is also the norm for community idols to be put up. These are referred to as Sarvajanik Ganeshostav mandals and can be found in the city areas across the Konkan region. Mumbai is most famous for these but we have them in Goa as well. Panjim, the state capital of Goa has a big community idol installed close to the main church square. Visitors throng from all over to visit this particular idol.
This is a festival that is extremely dear to Hindu households across the Konkan region. Given that most people do not live in their family homes any longer for various reasons, it’s one of the few festivals that bring families back together in their native villages.
Another important aspect of Chaturthi celebrations is the matoli or canopy which is installed over the idol of Lord Ganesha. For days before the actual date on which Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated, people throng the markets on the lookout for flowers, wild fruits, and even vegetables to place all over the matoli.
State leaders greet the people on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations
The state’s leaders and other important figures wished the public on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. Governor Mridula Sinha along with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Archbishop of Goa, Daman and Diu Filipe Neri Ferrao among others, spread good cheer on this happy day.
Governor Sinha’s message to the people was cheerful. In it, she said that Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival celebrated to honor the birth of Lord Ganesh with great enthusiasm and gaiety throughout the state and the country. Lord Ganesh, as we all know, is celebrated as the God of all good beginnings and is worshiped at the start of any ritual or ceremony as he is known to ward off evil, remove obstacles and bring prosperity. Lord Ganesh is known as the Lord of arts and sciences and the epitome of wisdom.
A festival like Ganesh Chaturthi is an appropriate occasion to promote goodwill, friendship, and unity among the people, which will enable us to maintain the harmony and amity in the state, Sinha said.
Goa CM Manohar Parrikar also said a few words. “Ganesh Chaturthi is a harbinger which unites and strengthens the social fabric of the state. May this year’s festival brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to the people,” he said, appealing to the people to keep our surroundings clean, plastic and pollution free and celebrate an eco-friendly Chaturthi. He also added that Lord Ganesh is a deity of wisdom and intelligence.
With such positive messages about spreading goodwill and wishing for prosperity from Goa’s leaders, may this Ganesh Chaturthi bring wealth and happiness to all those celebrating this auspicious festival.
Information credit
http://www.navhindtimes.in/chaturthi-festivities-begin-today-2/
ItsGoa/SEPT/KDGP
