Bengaluru: The festive spirit has gripped Karnataka as families gear up to celebrate the traditional Gauri-Ganesha festival, marked by rituals, colourful decorations, traditional delicacies and community celebrations.
The Gauri festival is traditionally observed on the third day (Tadige) of the Bhadrapada month, followed by Ganesha Chaturthi on the fourth day (Chauthi).
Gauri welcomed to her maternal home
According to folklore, Gauri is regarded as a daughter returning to her maternal home from Kailasa. Legend has it that Shiva, unable to bear separation from his wife, sends Ganesha to Earth to bring her back.
The arrival of Ganesha is celebrated with offerings of traditional sweets and snacks, including Modak, Kadubu, Chakkuli, Karjikai and Unde. Homes are cleaned and decorated as families prepare for the festivities.
Gauri festival also holds special significance for married women, or Muttaideyas. As part of the Bagina offering, a coconut is decorated with symbols associated with marital well-being, including a Mangalya, turmeric, kumkum, flowers and bangles.
Women worship Gauri seeking continued marital happiness, while unmarried women traditionally pray for a prosperous and happy married life.
Panchabhakshya Paramanna for Ganesha
On Ganesha Chaturthi, families perform special pujas and prepare an elaborate feast known as Panchabhakshya Paramanna. The festival is celebrated as Ganesha’s birthday and is also associated with the legend of Shiva replacing Ganesha’s severed head with that of an elephant.
Clay idols highlight connection with nature
The traditional clay Ganesha idol is also associated with the Panchabhutas — earth, water, fire, air and space. Devotees decorate the idol with flowers, Garike grass and sacred leaves, while lamps and Aarati symbolise fire.
The immersion of clay idols in lakes, wells and other water bodies after the celebrations represents the return of the idol to nature, reinforcing the festival’s traditional connection with the five elements.
With preparations under way in homes, organisations and community associations, Gauri-Ganesha celebrations are set to fill the city and surrounding areas with devotion, tradition and festive cheer.
