The birth anniversary of Pillayar or Ganesh, the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune is celebrated with joy and zest. The adorable son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati has devotees almost all over the world. Ganesh is the most worshipped deity in Maharashtra and South India. Earlier Ganesh Chaturthi, a public festival was celebrated grandly only in Maharashtra but now the charm of the festival has spread worldwide. The vibrant festival has become one of the most rejoiced events in down south too.
Vinayagar idols in south:Ganpati is most prominently known as Vinayagar or Pillayar in south which means incomparable leader. Usually the Ganesh idols in south temples are made up of black stone. Unlike the Ganesh idols present in other parts of India, in south, most of the idols have their trunk twisted towards right which is known as ‘valampuri’. Such idols are uncommon but they are said to have immense power and particular rules have to be followed to worship them.
How is Vinayagar worshipped in south India?The Lord expects nothing but worship with love and respect. In south, the devotees worship Ganesh in a special or different way. The devotees hold their ears with crossed arms, bend three times on their knees and then pat their cheek three times. This is the way of asking apology to the god for all the sins and mistakes one has committed.
Vinayagar chaturthi celebration:The famous Ganesh festival is known as Vinayagar Chaturthi in south. The festive takes place during ‘Avani’ (Tamil month) on the fourth day. Mostly the festival is celebrated for one day but the trend has changed. Like Maharashtra, even in Tamil Nadu, the festival elongates 10 days; various pandals are set-up on the streets. People welcome Ganesh by performing prayers and offering delicacies to this pot-belly idol. The Vinayagar idols in temples are decorated with fresh flowers; it looks very attractive, special prayers are performed on this occasion. Devotees form a beeline just to catch a glimpse of their beloved god on this auspicious day. Sweet such as ‘kozhukattai’ (dumplings with rice flour covering, stuffed with fresh coconut and jaggery) and ‘sundal’ (salty dish made up of chickpeas) is prepared on Vinayagar Chaturthi. Kozhukattai or modak is said to be the most favorite and loved sweet of Lord Ganesh. The holy arugam grass and hibiscus flower is offered to Vinayagar while performing pooja. In recent years, Tamil Nadu capital, Chennai is also setting-up pandals and organizing public events on the occasion of Ganesh festival. Huge Ganesh idols are placed in marquees. Loudspeakers in the pandals play devotional songs. They also organize cultural events. Even in Hyderabad, the festival is celebrated on large scale. Most of the pandals are following eco-friendly ways for celebration. The immersion is carried on in artificial ponds instead of lakes or beaches. Local band troupes play traditional tunes during the immersion procession. City streets get brightened with the festive colors.The magnitude of Ganesh festival is not only felt in India, but people all over the world are getting connected with this vibrant festival and are celebrating it with joy and fervor.займ на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн