The Festival of Ganesh Chaturthi

Deepti Mittal 09/12/2023

Lord Ganesh is one of the most popular Hindu Gods, symbolising wisdom and prosperity. He is typically worshipped before the start of anything auspicious. The birthday of Lord Ganesh is known as Ganesh Chaturthi and this year it falls on 19^th September.

Lord Ganesh, the beloved son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, has a captivating tale behind his birth or creation. Once, as Goddess Parvati desired to bathe, she needed someone to guard the door and so she crafted an image from the essence of sandalwood and turmeric paste, infusing it with life, and named him Ganesh. When Lord Shiva attempted to enter, the boy she had created blocked his way. Enraged, Lord Shiva wielded his trident and severed the boy's head. Overwhelmed with grief and anger upon learning of this, Goddess Parvati demanded that Lord Shiva bring Ganesh back to life. However, the force of Lord Shiva's blow was so powerful that the boy's head could not be found. Instructing his disciples, Lord Shiva commanded them to retrieve the head of the first living being they encountered, which happened to be an elephant. Lord Shiva then bestowed life upon the boy, giving birth to the elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesh. In accordance with the conditions set by Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva declared that the blessings of Lord Ganesh should be sought before commencing any new endeavour.

Ganesh Chaturthi is observed with great zeal and enthusiasm, particularly in Western India. Lord Ganesh captivates the imagination of children with his elephant head and his love for sweets like laddoos and modak. Ganesh Chaturthi workshops are a great way to engage children and introduce them to all the things that Lord Ganesh stands for and loves.

Children take immense joy in creating environmentally conscious idols of Lord Ganesh using natural materials such as soil, clay, and even chocolate! In addition, certain workshops provide participants with the opportunity to engage in vibrant Rangoli-making activities, where they can explore an array of vibrant colours and unleash their creativity. Children also immensely enjoy storytelling sessions and puppet shows that bring to life the enchanting tale of Lord Ganesh's creation.

These workshops create a holistic and immersive experience for children. They allow them to not only appreciate the artistic aspects of the festival but also understand the deeper meanings and values associated with Lord Ganesh. The vibrant colours and intricate patterns of the Rangoli represent the beauty and diversity of life, while the storytelling and puppet shows convey important lessons of wisdom, compassion, and devotion.

Check out the array of exciting online and offline workshops happening this year, to help your children celebrate the joyous occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.