Thrissur is famous for elephants and poorams. Thechikottukavu is one such temple where we can see a lot of rituals and celebrations. This temple is the heart of Peramanagalam village, 10 kms away from main town and it’s just 1km inside the NH connecting Thrissur main town and Guruvayoor temple, which is just 18 kms away. Most famous among them are Aanapooram (elephant pooram) and Velapooram (Pooram of Kavadis) conducted in consecutive days. Thechikottkavu Ramachandran is known to be the tallest of all Asian elephants alive now. An annual offering of devotees known as Paravaikkal ceremony is also very famous. Through this article, I am giving a brief description of annual celebrations of this Devi temple.
Aana pooram – When elephants celebrate the festival
What’s a pooram without elephants? Elephants are decorated by golden coloured ornament, nettichutti and it’s given venchamaram and aalavattom. Among all elephants, only one is lucky enough to carry, Bhagavathy’s thidamb – her idol, used while annual celebrations. They are accompanied by Panchavadyam – a music by five instruments, ilathalam, thimila, maddhalam, idakka and kombu. It’s associated with a brilliant chendamelam group too. For more than 30 years, Thechikottkavu Ramachandran is that lucky elephant as he is famous for its elephant features (lekshan) known as ‘aana chandam’.
At first, they will stand in a row with panchavadyam in the temple ground. They carry colourful umbrellas too. Then, they go inside the temple and revolve her three times known as ‘pradikshinam’ and this ceremony is completed. A grand firework is also displayed in the evening. It’s known as ‘vedikettu’ in Malayalam.
Paravaikkal is very famous
One of the most famous rituals is Paravaikkal. ‘Para’ is a measuring container used to measure rice and other grains during early days and since such traditions have been followed from ancient centuries, such customs have not changed till now. Goddess of the temple loves offerings by her devotees a lot. So, during every year she is offered with a lot of things by people and it’s placed in ‘para’. ‘Vaikal’ means placing and hence the term, ‘paravaikkal’. People can offer anything of their likes, fruits, flowers, vegetables, rice, aval-pori (a fried version of rice usually used in pooja of Kerala), coins etc. Fruits may be apple, orange, banana, mango or any type according to devotee’s wish. Some people may place interesting para like 50 paise coins, 1 rupee coins, 5 rupee coins, leaves, bangles, gold, silver etc. Among flower paras, jasmine, lotus, rose, tulsi leaves, nerium, marigold, chrysanthemum etc are most popular. If you go to this temple in the early mornings during this season, you can see big lines of para placed by devotes. Some may be doing for their pleasure, while some others for fulfilling some ambitions. Some may place para, as a part of their wish, what we call, ‘nercha’. But most important is that number of paras placed should be an odd number.
Paravaikkal at homes
During the festival season, devotees do this ritual at homes also. In southern Kerala, it’s called ‘Irakkupooja’ while in middle Kerala, it’s Paravaikkal and both these rituals are conducted by Kavu – a special type of Devi temples, also known as Mudipura in southern parts.
Paravaikal is similar to Irakkipooja of south Kerala
I still remember Irakkupooja conducted in my courtyard during early childhood. A special mandap is made of banana stems and wonderfully decorated with flowers, leaves, tender coconut leaves, coconut buds etc. A devotee, who takes ‘Vritha’ for 41 days, carries idol of the temple on his shoulder. Goddess blesses him with some extra powers and while he is traveling from homes to homes carrying her on his shoulders, he forgets even himself. It’s believed that it’s Goddess itself who enters his soul. He, known as Velichappaad wears a red dhoti, symbol of Goddess and red thilak. He dances in the whole mandap, performing rituals and he will be accompanied by Kerala traditional instrument, Chendamelam by a group of people. As time pass by, music is played faster and his movements become more vigour and it’s known as ‘Velichapaad thullal’. He destroys everything with the knife. He cuts the banana stems and wonderful decorations and while he is dancing, he takes different types of leaves and flowers placed in palm leaf containers and disperse all around. When he completes, he bless the people and move forward taking the offerings. Now years have passed since I have seen an irakkipooja. But still now, those memories are fresh. The idols of deities have only heads and no body. Also, they own long hair. That’s why such temples are known as mudipura. ‘Mudi’ means hair and ‘Pura’ means home or place where it’s placed.
This year I placed my first para at home
According to beliefs, first para is to be placed inside home and from second onwards, at courtyard. Since it’s our first experience, we decided to place it inside our home. We wanted to make it simple. So, we decided in mind – three paras. From next year onwards we can increase its number. We placed one para with orange fruits, the second one with malar (a form of fried rice, also known as pori) and the third one, rice. Then, we lit our deepam, a few agarbatis, a coconut and a few nerium flowers for pooja. If we want to offer one rice para, no need to buy. People in the group itself bring a sack of rice for which we just need to pay money. Later, they will take it back to temple after the ceremony. Then I draw some beautiful ‘kolams’ using rice powder. As it’s believed that Goddess is coming inside home, I put my camera in the off mode as soon the group entered my hall. Also, my mind was fully dedicted to worship of Goddess.
But I don’t know why, when the main Velichapad entered the home with sword accompanied by a group of around 25 people my mind began to shiver. I couldn’t even put my feet in the ground and my mind and hands were shaking. I rechecked if I placed everything correct. Every preparations were absolutely ok. Yet my mind was trembling like a dry leaf in some unknown sorrow. I even lost my ability to think. I doubted if I have done something unpleasant to Goddess and I became upset. My heart was beating so fast and it was out of my control.
Velichapad completed his pooja along with Chendamelam and when he was to bless my family, I searched for ‘Dakshina’ which is to be given as offerings. You may be surprised to know that I searched whole home for the money which I kept closed inside my hand. That shows how my mind was acting foolish for those few moments. It was something really strange. When he blessed me, what he said, I couldn’t hear. I was becoming more nervous. Then he took the coconut and went out. He broke it into pieces in a stone placed outside and went to next home. As soon as he left, his followers took almost all fruits to eat and it was really a funny scene. Yet, no one took ‘malar’ placed in another para. Usually tribal people known as ‘kaanikaar’ brings rice for the pooja and as soon as the ritual is completed, they take it back and move towards the next home.
Another attraction of this ritual is tribal song sung by Kanikkar. They wore a red cloth over their white dhoti and bring some tribal musical instruments. At first they place an idol of bhagavathi in the courtyard and sing praising her, in their tribal language. Usually, they come just one or two days before paravaikkal ceremony. This time, they accompanied the temple group. People pleased with their song used to give them a small offering.
After the ceremony was over, when I was sitting fully upset, my neighbour asked me not to worry. She comforted me saying that it’s usual and since Bhagavathi is entering inside our home, we are feeling its tension as we are just normal people before the goddess and her shakthi. It’s just a common thing, she also feel the same way every year and that I need not worry for that. She also asked me to be happy as Devi, in the form of velichapad blessed me saying, “I am very much pleased with your preparations”. Hearing this, tears poured out of my eyes – my devotion, happiness and satisfaction. After that, many happy events have occurred in the past 8 or 9 months and everyone believe it's Devi's blessings.
Velapooram is most colourful
It’s most enjoyable and colourful one where different plots are displayed one after the other. It’s the last day of celebrations and plots belonging to different parts of the village and Thrissur town are participating in it. Usually it starts in the afternoon and plots one after the other come to the temple accompanied by chendamelam. Only males participate in velapooram. Yet, they do good make-up as both male and female characters of Hindu mythology and display their art forms to entertain everyone. They, coming through different routes, gather at temple ground and one after another in a row, they are going near the Devi. When one group displays their performances before Devi, next row will be behind them. When the first group moves, second group take their place to display their art forms. This process continues till all plots are displayed and it may take hours to complete the whole entertaining ceremony.
Performers really love to take their photos and they stand along with us to take some nice photos, particularly kids. They do so, once they have withdrawn from Devi’s temple. Till then, they will be fully devoted in their dance shows. Performers, though males, look excellent in female characters too. Most common are Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Parvathy, Ganapathi, Muruga etc and traditional art forms like Theyyam and Kathakali. It’s mostly crowded, irrespective of castes and religions and every villager loves velapooram a lot with balloons and candies. People coming as a group are a normal sight during this festival season and temple ground is also so big to accommodate such a huge crowd.
Temple rules are so strict
Now also a few temples are there in Kerala which follows old traditional customs. Men can’t go inside the temple wearing pants and shirts. Only white/cream colour dhoti is allowed. It’s applicable for small boys too. Similarly, women can’t go inside the temple wearing churidar, shirt or pants. Only saris are allowed. Girls should wear skirt, no churidars. When I went to this temple for the first time on my daughter’s previous birthday, I was stopped outside for wearing churidar. At that time, my parents took her inside the temple.
A few words about Thechikottkavu Ramachandran
He is known to be the second tallest elephant of Asia. It’s the pride of this temple and he takes ‘Thidamb’ – idol of Bhagavathy during Annual festival celebration. He also goes every year for Thrissur Pooram and many other poorams of major temples of Thrissur including Guruvayur and Thriprayar. Actually, India is not his home land. He was gifted by a foreigner to a person in Kerala in the year 1964. Later someone else borrowed him and now he is the most popular elephant of Thrissur. Two years before, in 2010, he was honoured by ‘Gajaraja pattam’ - the king of elephants and he was given a warm welcome all through the streets by people of Thrissur. Now also, his cut-outs are placed in different parts of the town and still now, he is popular. He even owns a fans’ association. That shows his popularity in the state. He has even celebrated many temple poorams of Kottayam, Ernakulam and Palakkad districts. His peculiarity is his height of his head. Normal elephants, their heads and body are almost at same level. But God blessed Ramachandran with rarest of rarest head structure – it stands high while we compare him with other elephants. May be to carry deities with pride and honour. Yes, he is a blessed elephant and elephant lovers are made in its love!
Though he is famous, he is notorious and mischievous too from his younger age. He has even killed one of his mahouts and caused much destruction. At that time, he was put in chains for many days. He has almost lost sight of one of his eyes years back. It’s believed he lost his eye sight due to punishments and his mischief. During last festival season I have seen him as the leader of elephant group carrying the idol for procession. He is so mischievous that no one can give even a banana to another elephant in front of him. Also, he won’t allow any other elephant to take Bhagavathi’s thidamb. Already he has attacked many people and elephants. Yet, people love him for his special and rare features and the pride he has given to the temple. Now he is owned by Thechikkottukavu Peramangalthu Devaswom and he stays in the temple itself. He is also known as Raman and Thechikodan and he is the symbol of pride for ‘Thechikodu –Peramangalam’ Desam. I didn't know then that he is a living legend, loved by thousands of fans all over Kerala, when I saw him last year carrying Bhagavathi's thidamb for their festival.
Let me conclude
Festival season of Kerala normally starts in January and lasts till May. Annual celebration of Thechikootkavu is conducted during January - February months and it’s very famous among pooram festivals too.
I am dedicating this article to my parents who have worked hard, now also working to bring every cheers for us.
Festivals is mostly associated with crackers, either it is Diwali or a celebration of a temple. People want to enjoy every celebration with a lot of shouting and sound. That’s why crackers are most popular during festival seasons. Not only kids, elders also associate themselves with crackers to enjoy the every bit. Yet, I was not attracted towards crackers from my childhood itself. But, each Diwali is so special to me. There is a reason behind it. My father is doing fireworks business and since I see its making each and everyday of my life from childhood, I am least attracted towards it. Yet I have to saw, crackers are a part of my life!
Yes, crackers are a part of my life
My father started this business 40 years back and till now, he is one among the three or four Asans at southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram. Senior people of this business are known as ‘Asan’, somewhat similar to ‘Acharya’- a Guru who is an acharya and with a lot of students and followers. With respect, everyone call them ‘Asan’ similar to teachers of kalaripayattu, archery etc. During my childhood days, it was not a vast spread business like now, only a few workers. But as time passed by, people are spending more money for celebrations as well as temple festivals. I have grown up seeing the making of Diwali crackers and festival firework items. Since it’s the main source of living, of course, crackers is a part of my life too!
Normally Diwali works begin at June
It’s festival season of temples from December to May first week. Temple festivals of Kerala almost end with Thrissur pooram that normally happens April last week or May first, normally before May 14. Then, it begins the monsoon season of Kerala that is not a season of fireworks. Diwali normally falls between October 15 and November 15 – Malayalam month Thulam. So, Diwali works start at June and a few workers are employed for the preparation of crackers, particularly poor ladies. Prepared crackers are stocked and given to shops in whole sale rate too, before the beginning of season.
Busy festival season
Just 15 days before Diwali, selling catches a momentum and a few items are brought from Sivakasi too, according to the requirement. Yet, high demand is for crackers produced here, particularly from those old customers. Selling is done in both whole sale and retail and some amount of items will be specially kept for Diwali sales, just one day before.
Diwali made me a book lover
During Diwali, small kids used to sell their old books and papers to buy crackers, something like exchange. So, I got good opportunity to read old books which people sell. Papers are needed for preparing firework items and hence it’s bought. Some kids, to buy crackers even sell their own studying books if not caught. If my parents see such students, they used to give them free crackers feeling sympathy for such poor kids’ desires. Also, if they bring useless papers. During my childhood, when Diwali season begins, my searching also begins. I used to search each and every set of books from bundles of papers to find books for reading. At that time, kids’ magazines were my favourites. Balarama, Poompaatha, Balamangalam, Amar chitra katha were a few among them. After Diwali, no one knows where I am. I may be in nature’s lap, below a tree or inside our plantation reading books, forgetting everything. Books were my weakness from my childhood days itself. It’s through those books that I start reading. Libraries were not available at that time in our remote place.
New gifts during this season
Diwali was a season that I loved most. Since, it’s just after the business, we get whatever we want. So, Diwali was something like prosperous Onam to us, real Lekshmi!
My friends visit my home during Diwali
Only a few classmates are there who have never visited my home during a Diwali season. They used to buy crackers for their celebrations. I still remember what one boy has written in my autograph, “UIT without Sandhya is like Diwali without crackers” and my friends, in love, has given me a lot of nick names related to crackers. Those gatherings and funny names are sweet memories now and whenever I remember those days, those good and funny moments just pass through my mind giving a lot of cracker smiles.
My Diwali celebrations
It’s true, I was never fascinated towards crackers. May be because I know everything about it and I saw them daily. Yet we used to celebrate Diwali a little bit. Flower pots and flower sticks were our favourites, me and my younger brother and our father used to make special items for us. I stayed away from cracking items and when my brother, as he was a child, used to tie crackers at the end of long sticks and put them in fire. So, everyone used to tease him saying ‘son of Ashan is fearing crackers’. But as years passed by, he learnt it. Yet I have to say, like me, he was also not too much attracted towards its colours. Yet, we loved to see father’s fireworks at temples. Now also, we love that art of flowers a lot!
Now, a few words about celebrations of Kerala
Only south Kerala celebrates Diwali with crackers
It’s a bit surprising. Only Tamilians and North Indians of middle Kerala celebrate Diwali with crackers, particularly those who work here in IT and other professional firms. ‘Diya’ is a part of Diwali celebrations of middle Kerala while lighting lamps is not given much preference in south Kerala. Obviously I have never lit Diwali lights. Quite contradictory, south Keralites light lamps on Thrikkarthika, which is not at all practised in middle Kerala. So, it sounds strange when we are not able to hear any cracker sounds on Diwali night as we are residing in Thrissur now. If you want to hear crackers, you need to wait till Vishu.
Tamilians prepare Diwali sweets
Many people believe that Diwali is a popular festival of Tamil Nadu, particularly people belonging to middle Kerala. Yet Diwali sweets are popular all over Kerala. Many people do celebrate Diwali with the exchange of sweets.
Malabar light lamps
It really surprised me a lot when for the first time, I saw Diwali lights in my state. Earlier I thought, it’s a celebration of crackers only in our state. It was three years back when I saw Diwali lamps lit at auto stand by auto drivers in Kodungallur. Yes, each and every Hindu home of middle Kerala light lamps, which I loved a lot, though they are celebrating the festival in silence without any crackers.
Southern districts make it grand
Diwali means light and crackers. If you really want to enjoy the festival, you should visit southern districts – Thiruvananathapuram and Kollam, where people celebrate the festival with lots of crackers. It’s said that many pet dogs run away from their homes during this season hearing the sounds and will return back only a few days later. Men and kids gather at streets with crackers and celebrate the occasion with full enthusiasm. People light crackers at homes too. Small pots and flower sticks are their favourites.
Let me conclude
Yes, Deepavali means ‘Aavali (group) of deepams’ and it makes us remember the success of good over evil and success of knowledge over ignorance by lighting a lamp. Yes, festivals are giving some messages for we people to follow. So, let us light those lamps in our minds too, to drive away our evil thoughts! I think it’s the real message Deepavali is giving to everyone!
Happy Diwali and a lot of crackers to all of you!
Dewali is a wonderful festival of hindus. Every one loves this festival a lot. On this day, every one will have an official holiday. In North India it is known as Dewali and in South India it is known as deepavali. The word dewali and deepavali mean the same that is row of lamps. This festival is famous for cracking crackers. Children are much interest in this festival as they love to play with crackers. Not only Hindus, other religions people also love to celebrate this festival but they are only interested in cracking crackers only. Dewali festival is celebrated on Naraka chathurthi. The festival is signifies us that all the evil and negative thoughts will left in dark (removed) and your life will be bright like a lighting lamp. Dewali festival is celebrated all over India. But the process of celebration varies from place to place. On this day everywhere is decorated with lights. So whole world look pleasant and beautiful. Dewali festival is also famous for Lakshmi pooja, people believe that if they perform Lakshmi pooja on that day then Goddess Lakshmi will stay with them and all problems will get solved. Actually the day of Dewali festival is Amavasia (No moon day). But due to the lamps, it does not look amavasia. Dewali is also known as festival of lights. This festival mostly comes in October or November. This festival is a brightest and biggest festival among other Hindu festivals. Spiritually dewali is known as festival of inner lighting. The aim of Dewali is to remove ignorance among the world by lighting lamps. Every one celebrates dewali with lot of excitement and joy.
History of Dewali Festival:
There are many stories behind the Dewali festival.
It is believed that the celebration of Dewali festival is the marriage occasion of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and Goddess Maha Lakshmi.
When Rama and Sita are back to their kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of vanvas by killing the demon Ravana. On this happy occasion, the people in the kingdom have lighted lamps everywhere and they burst the crackers.
On this day, satyaBhama the wife of Lord Krishna has kills the demon Narakasura. Who are harassing people over there. As narakasura was killed on that day, all the people were very happy, in that happiest occasion people started celebrating by lighting lamps and cracking crackers. This day is known as Narakachathurthi. As the celebrations are performed with lamps so it is known as Dewali.
Years ago, In village name Gokula, people prayed Lord Indra for rain and as the crops grown well. Then Krishna made people to worship Govardana mountain. The place around the mountain and the mountain itself has become fertile. This Indra didn’t like this. He sent thunders and more rain so that the village is full of water. Then the people cried and requested Lord Krishna to save them, Lord Krishna lifted the mountain Govardana with his single finger. Therefore, this day has become a remainder for Hindus showing the importance of offering food to god. Therefore, all the villagers are very thankful to Lord Krishna for saving their lives.
On this day, celebration on the return of pandavas from vanvas of 12 years.
Celebration of Dewali festival:
Dewali festival is celebrated for 5 days. Dewali festival day is no moon day. We celebrate this festival as the identification of good has defeated evil. The dewali festival is celebrated by lighting lamps which are made of clay. On this day we clean our houses and decorate them with flowers. At night we decorate our houses with Lighting lamps (Diya). Then we burst firecrackers to make the evil spirits run away.
On First day we celebrate Dhanteras, on that day People purchase gold at least a small piece. The second day signifies the Narakachaturthi which is formed by satyabhama samharana of narakasura, so by lighting lamps in clay filled with oil and by bursting crackers. The third day is Lakshimi pooja, by doing this Lakshmi pooja we get blessing of Goddess Lakshmi and all our desires get full filled.The lamps outside of our house will welcome Goddess Lakshmi into our house. On the fourthday of Dewali, that is Karthik shudda padyami ,the king Bali chakravarthi went into patala which is his new kingdom. The fifth day of Dewali is known as Bhai Dooj. On this day Yama darma raja went to his sister Yamuna house as she invited him. His sister prepared different tasty dishes for him. He ate all the dishes. So from then it is said that on this day, sisters should invite their brothers to their house and serve them with tasty dishes.
According to Hindu calendar, in Maharastra the dewali festival is celebrated for 6 days. The festival Dewali starts from Vasu Baras or Govatsa dwadasi. The Govatsa dwadasi is combination of words. Go means Cow and vatsa means calf, dwadasi means 12th day. The story if this Govatsa dwadasi is a king name prithu, he is a son of king vena. The ruling of king vena is not at all good. So the king prithu has taken the responsibility of the earth and helped the earth, made welfare land. And the remaining days are same as others celebrate.
In most of the states, people make the statue of ravana, narakasura with fire crackers and they burst them on the dewali.
About Lakshmi Pooja
Stories behind the origin of Lakshmi pooja.
When the Devas and demons were churning in the milk ocean for amruth with the help of a snake and mountain. Then many things came out, in those things Goddess Lakshmi is also one. She came out on the dewali day.
On this day, 5 people enter into universe. They are Lord Indra, Lord Kubera, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Gajendra, and Lord Vishnu. These 5 people are known as Lakshmi Panchayatan. Goddess Lakshmi signifies for energy, Lord Indra for wealth satisfaction, Lord Kubera – wealth, Lord Gajendra – carry wealth, Lord Sri MahaVishnu – happiness.
Lakshmi pooja is mostly performed by marvadi people. They do pooja to Goddess Lakshmi by offering all money have. But now a days, every one are doing Lakshmi pooja as people got lot of awareness towards God and Pooja.
Things to takecare
1. Dewali is a very wonderful festival. But if we are careful then it will be happy, if we are careless then it causes problems. I mean the main excitement of this festival is lighting clay lamps with oil and bursting fire crackers. So while performing lighting and playing crackers you should be more careful.
2. While bursting fire crackers it is suggested to wear cotton clothes. So if any unexpected accident takes place, there will be less injury.
Food items prepared on this day
According to south Indian customs, we have tiffen on the dewali night. The tiffen contains many varies, that is sweet gari, hot gari, buri, punukulu, curd gari, chanagapappu gari, janthikalu, sunundalu, karam pooja, and some other sweets.
Baisakhi is big day for Punjabi
The Indian festivals chapter celebrated especially, on New Year is not complete if I do not mention the most famous festival “Baisakhi” also known as Vaisakhi in some regions. Baisakhi not only denotes the New Year in northern part of India but also is famous for its agricultural importance. The fields of Punjab and in general all through the northern states where wheat is cultivated, are ready with ripe crop fill hearts of farmers with joy and they feel thankful for the generosity of Mother Nature with so much of her blessings. They express their gratitude to Mother Nature with Bhangra dances to the tune of drums and nature certainly rewards in shape of greenery all around dancing to their tune.
India is country of farmers
India is dependent mostly on its agricultural yields and Punjab is one of the states known for best yields allover the country where people are mostly dependent on agriculture and have the record of best harvesting in the country. The Baisakhi is the day when villagers of Punjab celebrate it as mark of respect to the nature that gave so much to them in shape of different crops ready to take home. This in fact is the most joyous time for farmers who get back the results for the hard work they did in the field whole past year. I would like to mention here that the second of the ten Gurus of Sikhs; Guru Angad Dev Ji who introduced Gurmukhi script by modifying old characters of the Punjabi script was also born in this very month.
Punjabi took Baisakhi to different corners of the world
This is the day when Panth Khalsa, the Sikhkhism was introduced to the world hence the day is all the more important for Punjabi. The Punjabi is not only a group of people but also a culture in itself. By the way, have any of you ever seen a Sikh beggar? Punjabi celebrates this festival with simple ways by attending morning prayers in Gurdwara the Sikh temples and enjoying in their own unique style of dancing the traditional Bhangra to the beats of big drums. The Sikhs have taken Baisakhi to allover the world as they are settled everywhere on the globe. The Canada in fact is now has so many Sikhs that on Baisakhi day you feel like as if you are somewhere in Punjab watching them celebrating the festival. Go to any country of Europe or any where in United States of America, you shall find Punjabi celebrating Baisakhi everywhere.
Baisakhi is common auspicious day for different communities
The beginning of the Baisakh is celebrated in different parts of the country as the Sindhi celebrate it for Lord Jhulelal whom the most respected god for them. Baisakhi the Hindu New Year that falls on the first day of holy month of Baisakh celebrated mostly on 13April in Punjab with much fanfare. The month of Baisakh is not only a festival but also a cluster of different other occasions to celebrate and be joyous. As we, all know that this month is important for almost every community in India. As per Purans, the creator Brahma had chosen this day to create this universe.
How different communities celebrate the day
This day marks the beginning of the nine sacred days when we worship different gods and goddesses known as Navratri festivals ending on 10th day at the occasion of Dashehra. This or the next day is celebrated in Bengal as Durga Pooja day when Bengali community all over the world celebrates it with their own unique ways of different cultural programs and Aarti in public functions. The Bengali ways of celebrations are real treat to watch. The Jains celebrate this day as Mahavir Jayanti, in Kerala this is known as Vishu, Yugadi in Karnataka, Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Naba Barsha in Bengal, Navreh in Kashmir and Bihu in Assam. This article is not complete without the mention of Swami Dayanand Swarsati who founded no stone worshipping sect of Arya Samaj on this very day.
Ganesh chaturthi the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is one of the Hindu festivals. The Ganesh chaturthi festival comes first among the other Hindu festivals. Most of the North Indians know this festival as Ganesh Chaturthi and South Indians know this festival as Vinayaka chavithi or Vinayaka Chaturthi. Lord Ganesha is a son of Goddess Parvathi and Lord Siva. On this festival day only, Lord Siva has declared that his son is the supreme of all the Gods. So when any one performs any pooja, they should first perform pooja to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that Lord Ganesha removes obstacles in the lives of the people who worship him sincerely. According to the Hindu calendar This festival comes on Sukla paksha Chaturthi in the month of Badra pada. If the sukla paksha Chaturthi has started on one day and ended on the other day then the starting of it should be observed and considered. According to English calendar Ganesh Chaturthi comes between August and September month. This Ganesha Chaturthi festival celebrates for 10 days and more. This festival is celebrated grandly all over India and in other countries also. Every Hindu on this day will surely celebrate this festival or if it not possible at least they make darshan of Lord Ganesha. The people who mold the clay into Ganesha, they feel it is a competition and they make as big and high size Ganesh murthies. Finally they enter into the Gunnies book.
Story behind the Ganesh Chaturthii
Once Goddess Parvathi created a Ganesha with Sandal paste which is used for bathing and then she gave life to that Sandal Ganesha. She feels that this Sandal Ganesha is as her son and she kept Ganesha as a guard at the door as she is going to take bath. Then Lord Siva tried to meet Parvathi, but he returned as Lord Ganesha did not allow Lord Siva to enter, as Lord Ganesha doesn’t know Lord Siva. Then Lord Siva got anger on the Lord Ganesha and he sent his ghost followers to Ganesh to fight. The Lord Ganesha defeated all those ghost followers. The Ganesha was the creation of Goddess Parvathi, So he has a lot of powers in him as he has defeated Ghost followers then Lord Indra attacked him with his army, but they also got defeated by Lord Ganesha. Then finally Lord Siva attacked Lord Ganesha and in the fight Lord Siva cut the head of Lord Ganesha. When Parvathi notice this, seeing her son dead she showed her form of Adi sakthi and said that she will destroy the universe as her son is no more in the universe. Then Lord Siva promised her that he will re-create her son by giving re-birth. So Lord Siva searched a lot to get the head from the living being whose head is rested on North side and he found a Mother elephant is crying for her baby elephant which is dead by keeping its head on North side. He took the head of the baby elephant and joined to Lord Ganeshaand he gave name as Ganesh. From then Lord Ganesha is known as elephant headed God.
Celebration of Lord Ganesha Chaturthi festival
The celebration of Lord Ganesha Chaturthi festivals starts from two months before, all over India. The artist who makes the statues of Gods and people start molding the clay into Lord Ganesha. Some people use plaster of Paris but it is not at all good as when we do nimajan of Ganesha after 10 days the plaster of paris will be spoiling the water. So it is suggest using clay Ganesha murthy. The murthies are available in the market from the size of inch to 90 and more feet. But if you need more than 30 feet, then the artist will be constructing the Ganesh murthy at the place where you want to install Lord Ganesha. Only small murties are been used in houses and big murthies in mandapas.
The Ganesha Chaturthi festival celebration starts with the installation of the Ganesh murthy at home or outside where we keep a mandapas in different localities.
Things required for Ganesh Chaturthi pooja
For performing this Ganesh Chaturthi pooja we need Ganesh murthy, garlends, rice, turmeric powder, red powder, mango leaves, tulasi leaves, patri (one kind leaf), special grass, fruits, coconut and food items for preparing special dishes which are favorite for Lord Ganesha.
Process of decoration of Lord Ganesha
First we place a holy leafy plate( Plate made of special leaves) where we want to perform pooja of Ganesha. Then we draw swastik symbol on the leafy plate. Now we take a handful of rice and spread them on the swastik. Then the Lord Ganesha murthy is placed on that rice. Now we decorate Lord Ganesha with Turmeric powder and red powder. Then we decorate the murthy with flowers, garlands and fruits around Lord Ganesha murthy. We prepare special food Items for lord Ganesha. They are Undarallu, Jiilayda kayalu, Pulihora (tiger bath or yellow rice), fried Chana, Adida, Paramannam(sweet milk rice) and Kudumulu. All these items are favorites of Lord Ganesha. If there are children in the family, they should draw swasthik symbol or Om symbol at first page of their book and place them near Ganesha murthy. Then Lord Ganesh will bless you with lot of wisdom. If you kept Lord Ganesha in Mandapas outside, for it also same process applies.
Process of performing pooja
We should offer all the food items which are favorites of Lord Ganesha. Then first we have to light a lamp near the Ganesh murthy and then say Ganesha sloka. Now we have to read Ganesha astotharam by dropping flowers on the lord Ganesha and by sprinkling little sandle water. Then story of Lord Ganesha should read. Every one of the family should listen to it. It is said that once a person started listening to the story of Ganesha, they should not go in the middle. After the story gets completed, everyone should drop a flower and turmeric powder mixed raw rice (akshinthalu) on God and wear the red power, do Namaskar to Lord Ganesha. The Lamp should be light whole day till evening. Then we break a coconut and offer coconut water and coconut to Lord Ganesha. The food items which are offered to Lord Ganesha should be taken as Prasad. These items should be distributed to relatives, friends and neighbors.
Some people at evening do Ganesh visarjan in river or sea. But some people keep Ganesh murthy for more days. So people who keep them for more days and they should perform pooja daily as we did on Ganesh Chaturthi. Same with the groups who have kept mandapas, they should also do whole pooja daily. Some people keep do visarjan for 4 days, 6days, 9 days, 11days and some keep them more than 11 days and then they will do visarjan.
The story while doing pooja of Ganesha
Many people were suffering from the many problems, and then they got known that if they do this Ganesha pooja then Lord Ganesh will remove all the obstacles in their life. So they performed the pooja and then a poor man became rich. Like this many people got benefited by performing this pooja.
Lord Ganesha is a food lover. He love Undarallu, Jiilayda kayalu, Pulihora (tiger bath or yellow rice), fried Chana, Adida, Paramannam(sweet milk rice) and Kudumulu which we have offered him in pooja. On Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha had all these food items and his stomach became big in size in such a way that his stomach is touching the ground. Then with that stomach he is walking slowly. Moon from the sky saw Lord Ganesha and started laughing. Lord Ganesha became anger on the moon and he cursed the moon, that people who ever look at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi festival day they will get lot of scoldings. Then Moon requested Lord Ganesha to forgive the mistake, so Ganesh said that people who look at you on that day and get scolding, they will get lot of punyam (virtuous deed). Then at evening we visit all the mandapas to see the different forms of Lord Ganesha. The Ganesh murthy which is installed in home will be immersed in water that is sea or river but the Ganesh murthy which is installed in mandapas will be taken on to the vehicle and showed to all the near by locality and people will be dancing in the happiness of Ganesh visarjan infront of the vehicle to entertain people who are watching it. The people who kept mandpas with big Ganesha murthy, they specially prepare Laddu as Prasad for Ganesha. After the Ganesh visarjan they keep auction of the laddu. Many people participate in the Aution. Recently Laddu went to 20 lakhs and they even do annadanam also.
Stories behind Ganesh visarjan
There are many stories about Ganesh Visarjan. Ganesh visarjan means immersing the Ganesh murthy after perfoming the pooja it may be one day, or after 10 days that according to our calculations and rules. We do Ganesh visarjan, because Lord Vishnu always stays in Milk Sea. So Lord Vishnu is Lord Ganesha. Then Ganesh should be in water. So we perform Ganesh Visarjan for removing all the troubles in our lives.
After the Ganesh Chaturthi is completed, Lord Ganesh will have journey towards Kailash by taking all the problems and bad karma of the people who worship him sincerely.
Secret of using tulasi leaves on Ganesh Chaturthi only:
Actually in normal days if we offer tulasi leaves to Lord Ganesha, then he will become anger. Because, once tulasi ma asked Lord Ganesha to marry her but Lord Ganesha refused her and she still irritated Ganesha. So in the anger, Lord Ganesha cursed Tulasi ma that she will be worshipped in plant form only and will stay outside of the house always. Then Tulasi ma requested Lord Ganesh to forgive her, then Ganesha said that people can worship Lord Ganesha with tulasi leaves on Ganesh Chathudi only. If they perform pooja with tulasi leaves on other days then they will face problems.
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