Ganesh Chaturthi is the only festival where mother and son are welcomed, consecrated and worshipped together. The idol of Goddess Gauri is brought home with a lot of fanfare.
Before the idol enters the home, Her footsteps are drawn with Rangoli powder (colored powder) then married women bring Her into the house. Some families bring the idol of Goddess Gauri and some like we have done in the photograph have consecrated with the Kalash (copper vessel/pot) and the face of the Goddess is made with coconut. The Kalash contains barks of 5 different trees and then consecrated with mantras, with which Goddess’s Avahaan is done and She comes and resides. Next to the Goddess is another Kalash which represents Lord Shiva. So we have the whole family together with Lord Shiva, Goddess Gauri and their son Shri Ganesh.
The ceremony of Goddess Gauri during this festival ends in one and half days. Naivedya (fruits, cooked food and sweets) are offered and Aarti is done as per Vidhi (performing rituals based on the Panchang or the right and auspicious timings).
Families come together and enjoy the presence of Divine power in their home for few days and feel at loss when it is time to say good-bye to them during Visarajan or immersion. But Lord Ganesh promises to return again the following year and every time the devotees long for Him. Ganapati Bappa Morya!!
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