Ganesh Chathurthi

Ganesha, usually known as Pillaiyar, Vinayagar, etc has always been my beloved and most adored dear Lord. Whenever there is a Good news or whenever my Heart weeps of misery, Manakula vinayagar temple is the first and foremost place that comes to my mind.

Ganesh Chathurthi, usually celebrated in the month of September, all over India, has always been one of my favorite festivals. All Indian festivals, coming to that, have always been favorite to me, because that is the time we get to enjoy new clothes n bhakshanams, These are the time we got holidays in those monotonous schooldays and are allfresh and evergreen in my memories. This is the time we really Thank God for making us a citizen of this Nation, where we find ‘Unity in diversity’. People of different religions also unite to enjoy such festivals with us and India is the only place we get to see this kismath. (fortune)

Some say, this day is Lord Ganesha‘ s Birthday and some say this is the day when He came and presented Himself on earth, for His Bhakthas. Anyhow, we youngsters found this day as a day to celebrate with the usual festival merriment and not to forget those modaks..

In south India, On this day, we wake up early and get busy with cleaning the house and pooja room after a refreshing bath. The pooja room is decorated with flowers n Maa kolam. Later we bring home Lord Ganesha’ s idol with an umbrella ontop being the highlight, and decorate Him with garments and flowers mala. On that day, delicious modaks (also known as Kozhakattais) and sundal are made and relished by the household after worshipping and offering to the Lord. Bhakshanams are also distributed to near by friends. I remember in those days, even though usual lunch is cooked comprising of sambar curry n payasam, we will not be in a mood to touch them as already our tummies are filled with those yummiliscious modaks n sundal.

Third day following the festival, (fifth day in some places and tenth day in some) Lord Ganesha is taken to the nearby temples and left there. Later all these idols are collected in trucks n bullock carts and taken to the sea and immersed in water. This is also again celebrated in a grand manner. All the guys in the local area take up the responsibility to farewell Ganesha and the procession is worthwatching.

Massive and huge idols which are placed in front of temples in various areas are brought to the sea and dropped in using those massive crane trucks. People all over, gather in the beach to watch this exhibit and enjoy the fun.

Maa kolam: is a Rangoli made with a thin batter made out of mixing rice flour and water. This again forms food for those tiny beings like ants etc..

Sundal: Channa dhal is soaked in water the previous night. Next morning, it is pressure cooked and seasoned with mustard seeds, urad dhal, curry leaves and dry red chillies.

Different types of Modaks: click here for Recipe.