The spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi is one of joy, celebration and a feeling of camaraderie. This festival is the birthday of Ganesh, the elephant God. He is supposed to be the remover of obstacles, hence, worshipped at the commencement of anything auspicious. This festival is popular across all parts of India. In Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated for a period of ten days.
Legend has it that, Ganesh was born of the dirt of his mother Parvati’s body. Parvati, along with her attendants, had decided to have a bath, in the privacy of her home. Ganesh was created, to guard the entrance of her home. Being the obedient son that he was, Ganesh kept a strict vigil at the gate.
His father, Shiva, came by, presently, and wanted an entry into the house. However, Ganesh refused to allow him in. Even after a lot of pursuing, Ganesh refused to yield. This angered Shiva, and this led to a bitter fight between the father and son. Both were equally strong and did their best to win this fight. Ganesh single-handedly defeated Shiva and his companions.
In the meanwhile, Parvati, listening to this commotion, came out and saw the father and son in a bitter fight. Ultimately, Shiva in his rage, cut off Ganesh’s head, thereby killing him. Parvati was shocked and inconsolable. She demanded that Ganesh be brought back to life. Shiva, seeing his grief-stricked wife, decided to bring the boy back to life. Since the head was badly damaged, he instructed one of this companions to bring back the head of the first person they came across.
Even after searching for a long time, they could not find any person in the forest. However, they found a baby elephant, who’s head they brought back. This elephant’s head was transplanted onto the body of Ganesh, and he was brought back to life. Parvati was overjoyed and laid the condition that, henceforth, Ganesh should be worshipped before any other Gods are. Also that his name should be uttered first, before the start of any auspicious project, to ensure its success.
This is how Ganesh was born. He is known to be of a happy-go-lucky nature. He has large ears and a small mouth, which means that one must listen more and talk less. His large head symbolises that one should think big. His large stomach shows that one should digest the good and the bad in life. His one hand, held upright, signifies the blessings that he gives devotees. The axe signifies cutting off all bonds of attachment. His vehicle, the mouse, shows that desires should be kept under control, otherwise they cause havoc.
Apart from the festivities and rituals that are a part of this festival, it is important to remember and imbibe what Ganesh actually tries to teach us, through the various symbols. He ensures the success of those who follow his principles whole-heartedly and those who are pure in heart.