Malu Sharma
With less than a day to go for the arrival of Lord Ganesha, the God of Wisdom in the Hindu households, preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi festival have reached their peak across the city of Temples.
Idol makers in the city have been working around the clock ahead of the 10-day mega festival, which begins on September 19.
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 Modaks, which are favourite of God are distributed and consumed. Temples get crowded with devotees who participate in the worship in large number.
Nirmal Sharma, a home maker 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.
Mannan Sharma, 8 yrs old 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.”
