Great fun for 11 days!

Famous one in Pune

GSB, Mumbai

Driving is always a big headache in Mumbai due to the poor road conditions and horrible traffic. However, these days people love to step out their houses either to see the idols in public or invited by their friends and family to visit the idols at their homes because it is a great joy to celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi together --- the Hindu festival celebrated on the birthday (19 Sep this year) of Lord Ganesha (well-known as Elephant God), the son of Shiva and Parvati. Ganesha is widely worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune and traditionally invoked at the beginning of any new venture or at the start of travel, so this festival has become one of the most important festivals in India. It will last for 11 days until the 29th. 

The artist paints the idol

Baby Ganesha Idol at
 neighbor's home

Thousands and thousands of idols were made by professional artists 2 or 3 weeks before the festival. The idols have different sizes and styles by choices. Many of my neighbors are placing idols at home. I am glad that I am also invited to visit their homes ---The entire house is decorated by flowers. The table is full of sweets (Ganesha is a big sweets lover). Everybody wears their new traditional dress and expensive jewelry to show their respects and happiness to the God. There is a special birthday song for Ganesha, so everybody sings it together for him (Normally, once in morning and once at night) All visitors bring sweets for the God, and the host will give some homemade sweets or other small gift as return. The entire procedure is quite simple but you do feel people's love for Ganesha.  Some societies ordered their own idols as well and place him inside neighborhoods which is open for 24 hours. Everybody lives there is welcomed to come as well as outsiders who like to walk in and make a visit. Many societies will organize some events on several days, so everybody can dance, eat, sing or play games together. It is a great opportunity for people to get along with each other and having fun. Of course, it is also the most loving festival for kids. They will practice for the play, draw pictures and more and more. 

Ladys are still preparing for the
event in society

Kids drawing

The word for today:

Xiang Shou

享        受

Enjoy

I seriously hate to be in traffic and get into crowds, so I asked my local friends to show me around after midnight to see some big idols in famous public locations. I heard that the biggest one is 70 feet-high. I share some photos with you, hope that you can also feel the happiness and blessing by the God.  There are still few days to go. I will keep going around and see more idols! Great fun!  

Idol in one of the society