Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! This festival is celebrated in countless ways, each as unique as the person celebrating it. The photos in this gallery capture just a few of the many ways people connect with the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi, reflecting the diverse emotions and experiences that make this festival so special.
The first step for Ganesh Chaturthi begins months in advance, by lovingly making Ganpatis. Artisans from all faiths contribute to this and help with the Shri Ganesh of Bappa’s journeyWhen Bappa is brought home, his decorations are done by the entire familyModaks are Bappa’s favourite food. And every Modak is a delicious reminder that love is the most important ingredientSome people keep Bappa at home one night, others the full 10 days, before the journey to immersion beginsCelebrating Ganesh Chaturthi away from home can be lonely, but Bappa welcomes you in other people’s homes tooWhere art meets devotion: this grand Ganpati stands tall, a beacon for the entire community that feels the vibrant energy.Pandals are set up on the road, and celebrations in the community also have loud songs, dance and merry makingThe journey of Bappa from pandals or homes, to the sea fronts, is a spectacle of collective faith energiesThis picture perfectly captures the pure joy and powerful sound that brings everyone together during Ganesh Chaturthi.As people participate in Bappa’s journey, dancing on the road is an artistic delightMany pause for prayer, and find Bappa blessing themThe final leg is letting go of Bappa. The clay idol is not just worshipped, it is dissolved. In that moment we are reminded … every form is temporary, but what it points to is timelessness. Lord Ganesha teaches us to let go of the small self and return to the infinite.
