the goan I networkPANAJI Some were buying fireworks, fruits and flowers. While most of the Hindus celebrate the festival for a day and half, many others will celebrate it for five, seven, nine, eleven and even 21 days. Migrants hailing from the Konkan region have already left for home and buses ran packed in view of festive rush. The celebrations begin with haritalika or tay , the previous day of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. On this day, Lord Ganesha s parents, Shiva and Parvati, are worshipped and women in the family observed fast. This is followed by the Chaturthi wherein people perform pooja of the Ganesh idol. The next day after Chaturthi is the Panchami, also known as navyachi pancham or the harvest festival. Here, pooja of the freshly harvested paddy is performed. The same paddy is also used in preparing payas , sweet made using milk. Another attraction during the Chaturthi is the matoli , a wooden canopy comprising of seasonal as well as wild fruits and flowers, which is installed right above the idol of Lord Ganesh. Aartis and bhajans too fill the air in villages and towns alike with the members of other religious communities partaking in the celebrations by visiting their neighbours and close ones. Meanwhile, CM Laxmikant Parsekar, Governor Dr Mridula Sinha and Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao have extended Chaturthi greetings to Goans. In her message, the Governor said, “Lord Ganesha is a symbol of dedication, loyalty and protection. The celebration of Chaturthi is considered as a community event and was started by Lokmanya Tilak to spread the message of unity and gather support. Stating that Ganeshotsav is a moment of great pride for all, Parsekar stated, “Lord Ganesha is an eternal deity, worshiped at the beginning of all important events. He is hailed as the remover of all obstacles.” The archbishop in his message said “in the name of the Catholic community and in my own name, I send our Hindu brothers and sisters greetings from Rome and, partaking in their joy and enthusiasm, wish that, all human selfishness may be transformed into harmony and peace.
CHATURTHI GREETINGS The Goan Everyday wishes its readers, advertisers, distributors and well-wishers a happy Ganesh Chaturthi. Our offices will remain closed today, September 5, on account of the festival and hence there will be no edition dated September 6, 2016.
