MUWCI
TWO YEARS AT THE HEART OF INDIA
GANESHA CHATURTHI
11 September, 2016
Known as an important occasion in the Hindu calendar, Ganesha Chaturthi is the festival related to Lord Ganesha. The festival lasts for 10 days filled with celebrations, rituals and joy. On the 11th day of the festival, the idol of Lord Ganesha is immersed in the flowing water. As the day comes, huge groups of devotees are seen taking part in the procession that is carried out to take the idol towards the water. People sing hymns of Lord Ganesha whilst dancing to the tunes, and throw color on each other to denote the joy residing in them. The idol is carried to the deepest point possible where the immersion takes place.
As MUWCI students, we only took part in the last day of the celebration. After a long Saturday, we made our way to the designated spot on campus. People had already begun the festivities, and were dancing, praying, and chanting. The men were praying to Lord Ganesh, to then place a dot of red powder on their forehead. Accompanied by more chants and prayers, Lord Ganesh was then carried onto a beautifully decorated cart. We had made our way down to the village, running alongside the cart carrying the idol of Lord Ganesh. We stopped every 50 meters to dance, and one could feel the fervent happiness amongst us. Everyone was throwing the vibrant pink powder and we were slowly enwrapped in a pungent pink cloud.
When we arrived in the nearest village called Khubavali, the villagers were already in the midst of celebrations. The women were dressed in silk sarees and their flamboyant colors matched the beaming mood of the celebration. We had made our way to the river. The narrow path between the green rice fields turned into a congregation of people, dancing, music and color. When the procession reached the river, Ganesh is meant to be immersed into it. After more dancing, singing and praying, 6 men (including the head of college) took the idol of lord Ganesh to immerse him into the river. The entire village was standing around and watching, whilst us foreign students were just standing there, in awe of the beauty of this celebration.
This was truly one of the most amazing events I have experienced here so far. Despite infinite attempts to reflect on this day, I’m incapable of putting my feelings and thoughts into words.
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Overwhelmed by happiness is all I can say.
All Photos were taken by: Alexander Thomas ('18, UAE) & Sam Eder ('18, Australia)