Though people presume that I am a great devotee of Krishna primarily because of my name, I tell them I love Ganesha more- so I follow him -In fact the love of Ganesh for his parents. I belive they are our God's.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a great social custom still in practise. I loved it when in Mumbai and had been missing it. Glad to see the pictures from my schoolies. In 1893, Lokmanya Tilak transformed the annual domestic festival into a large, well-organized public event"to bridge the gap between Brahmins and 'non-Brahmins' and find a context in which to build a new grassroots unity between them", and generate nationalistic fervour among people.
The impacts of the festival on the environment can be summarised to be the following:
1.The water pollution caused by the immersion of Plaster of Paris idols into natural water bodies.
2.The water pollution caused by chemical paints used on these idols.
3.The waste generated by the non biodegradable accessories used during the worship.
4.Noise pollution
5.Traffic congestion
6.Increased consumerism
Amongst these the first two can be partially resolved by a shift to eco sensitive materials and practices. Traditionally, the idol was sculpted out of mud taken from nearby one’s home. After the festival, it was returned to the Earth.
On a lighter note Best traffic advertisement of the year... Picture of Lord Ganesha with a saying..'Take care of your head, not everyone gets a replacement like me'
Quite amazed that Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam would often fall during the same time. The festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi, the fourth lunar day of the waxing moon fortnight. The date usually falls between 20 August and 20 September. The festival lasts for 10 to 12 days, ending on Anant Chaturdashi. Onam Festival falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the commemoration of Vamana avatara of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of mythical King Mahabali. Yes, soon after Karkidakam/Sravan which is a period of silence
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