malu kerni
Jammu: With less than a day to go for the arrival of Lord Ganesha, the God of Wisdom in the Hindu households, the preparations for the annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival have reached their peak across the city.
The surrounding areas of Parade and other places have been drenched in a riot of colours with vendors busy trading a variety of colourful flowers and a variety of vegetables.
Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, the birthday of Lord Ganesha is celebrated with great devotion across the country. With the passage of time and people from other states residing here in large number, the culture to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi has started in Jammu and people have started bringing home idols of Lord Ganesh and worship them. After 10 days of keeping Ganesh Ji at home, devotees then immerse the idol in River Chenab at Akhnoor.
On the day of the Ganesh festival itself, sweets, especially Laddoos and sugary Modaks, which are a favourite of the God are distributed and consumed. Temples get crowded with devotees who participate in the worship in large number.
Shrwani Sharma, a housewife said, “I used to celebrate this festival with great pomp and show as I am a devotee of Lord Ganesha. During this period we chant the shalok ‘Ganpati Bappa Moriya’. Now in our State too most of the Hindu families have started celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi. Special elaborate meals are prepared on the occasion, along with traditional sweetmeats like Patolyos, sweetened milk of coconut, Modak and Ladoo.”
Despite soaring prices of essential commodities and various difficulties arising in the day-to-day life, the devotees are eagerly waiting for the arrival of the deity. It is believed that the presence of the God of Wisdom in their households provides them with much needed solace and peace of mind.
Kshitiza Sharma, 8 yrs old little girl said, “I and very much excited to bring Ganesha home as I consider him as my friend. I will sing ‘Oh my friend Ganesha, Tu rehna sang hamesha’ on his arrival. I love ladoo and will offer the same to Ganesha. Keeping Ganesha home for 3 days and after worshipping we will immerse the idol in River Tawi. I love this festival.”
