Here comes ganpati

If you are exhausted by the give and take and hurly-burly of Mumbai city life, take a walk around the numerous alleys and chowks to get a glimpse of the pot-bellied, friendly hindu god- lord ganpati; sense the soothing fragrance of jasmine and marigolds. And I can vouch for the feeling of happiness and optimism his company would bring to you. He is the eliminator of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom. 

Ganpati is a hard-core foodie which he devours with his elephant trunk. He offers you delicious ‘modaks’- those Indian homemade sweets made of rice flour, coconut and jaggery, which is undeniably good for your soul. During his ten-day visit in Mumbai, you see the city changing its hues and shades, by drawing colourfully-clothed people out in the streets, around the pandals- the incessant beating of drums- smokes of incense sticks filling the fading afternoon light- the twinkling festival lights garlanding the roads- the arrival and departure of emotions, lost times and romance.

Also, religious skits are performed around legendary tales of politics, history and mythology as people stand and applaud.

However, despite all the hoopla surrounding the popular god, it is sad that the biggest festival of Mumbai is increasingly turning into a crass commercial venture. Most of us would have noticed the ganpati pandals these days are more about the advertisements on the banners. Every year, the celebration seems to become grander as political parties and neighbourhood associations try hard to outdo the next guy, remaining true to the spirit of the city. The dons commission huge pandals and expensive lightings, to gain the loyalty of the masses while the small-time goons use ganpati festival for extortion from hawkers, small-time shopkeepers. Many people believe that the festival should be less about religion, social unity and devotion and more about commercialisation, politics and business. And, I am sure if we don’t change our attitude and engage with the lovely god in a more intimate and warm manner, he will surely leave without his blessings.

ENDS

Meghna Maiti