Mangaluru: With festive fervour in the air, Mangaluru is all set to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi on August 26, as preparations across the city enter their final stage. Devotees are welcoming beautifully crafted idols of Lord Ganesha into their homes and public pandals, ready for a day of devotion, rituals, and cultural festivities.
Artisans at work, idols ready for worship
Artisans have been working tirelessly over the past few weeks to create intricate Ganesha idols in various sizes and styles. On Tuesday, vehicles transporting idols to homes and public celebration venues were seen across the city, adding to the festival spirit.
One of the key highlights was the ceremonial arrival of the idol for the 43rd Ganeshotsava organised by the Hindu Religious Service Committee of Farangipete. The event drew enthusiastic participation from devotees who accompanied the idol with traditional rituals and chants.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi in North India, marks the birth of Lord Ganesha – the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. According to tradition, devotees believe that Lord Ganesha visits their homes on this auspicious day to bless them with happiness and success.
Rituals and celebrations
Both private homes and community gatherings will see special pujas performed, accompanied by devotional songs and chanting of the ‘sahasranama’ – a recital of a thousand names of Lord Ganesha. Traditional sweets like modaks and laddus, considered Ganesha’s favourites, will be prepared in households as offerings.
In addition to religious ceremonies, cultural programmes, music, and dance performances will be organised in various localities to add a festive charm to the celebrations.
Immersion ceremonies to conclude festivities
Following tradition, the idols – mostly made of eco-friendly clay – will be carried in grand processions accompanied by vibrant tableaux, drum beats, and chants of ‘Ganapati Bappa Moriya’ before being immersed in rivers, lakes, or the sea. The immersion symbolises the deity’s return to his celestial abode, taking away devotees’ sorrows and granting blessings.
A city united in devotion
Mangaluru, known for its rich cultural traditions, is expected to witness large crowds at public pandals and processions, with the festival serving as a unifying celebration of faith and heritage.