Ganesh Chaturthi :-
Ganesh is remembered on chauth or chaturthi, the 4th day of
every month of the Hindu calendered, but most of all on Ganesh
Chaturthi which is celebrated as his birthday. Ladoos are distributed
on the day-by tradition ladoos were placed in different corners
of the house and eaten before the meal. Milk is offered to idols
of lord Ganesh at home and at temples, and Ganesh puja is performed
at all temples and hi-house prayer rooms. Fasting, feasting
and distribution of sweets offered to Lord Ganesh are important
aspects of Ganesh chaturthi rituals in India. Hindus pray to
images of Lord Ganesha, large and small, many of them made specially
for the occasion by cottage industries and street side artisans,
and those that do not wish to keep the idols alive by daily
prayers, offerings and lighting oil lamps, immerse them in the
nearest water body (all rivers, lakes and the sea which are
sacred to Hindus).
Tilak's Contribution
Ganesh chaturthi was further promoted by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar
Tilak, who brought to the cause of independence a fire of
religious revivalism. Tilak (1856-1920) was a Maharashtrian
Brahmin from Poona, who believed that self government could
not be achieved by co-operating with the British. His slogan,
Swaraj (Home Rule) is My Birthright, was echoed for miles
on every side, and when he wrote articles in the Kesari, applauding
the action of terrorist and the death of 2 British women in
a bomb blast in Bengal, he was promptly brought to trial and
sentenced to 6 years imprisonment, resulting in a 6 day long
riot in Bombay. He was the first Indian freedom fighter to
be given the kind of hero-worship, later acquired by Mahatma
Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru , Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and
Sardar Patel, by millions of people. After his release, he
rose to become an all-India leader, working with the likes
of Anne Besant for home rule, and was always respected as
an intellectual.
Holi : -
Holi is a harvest celebration marking the climax of spring.
Bonfires are lit, marking both the end of winter and the death
of evil, and proceeds from the seasonal harvest- grains, coconuts
etc- offered to the flames. The next day, dhuleti involves
plenty of colour throwing, prayer, fasting and feasting. People
have fun throwing coloured powder and colourful water at each
other, dancing and gambling over cards. The Rajasthani and
north Indian population at Kankaria and Jamalpur in Ahmedabad
celebrate Holi in great style with folk dancing and colour
throwing.
Banganga Festival
Usually held in January, organised by the MTDC, this two-day
festival of music is held at the historic Banganga Tank..
Performers are usually exponents of classical vocal and instrumental
music, and its beautiful setting and soothing music provide
a charming ambience. Proceeds from the sale of tickets go
towards the conservation, upkeep and maintenance of the Banganga
temple complex.
Elephanta Festival
Against the dramatic façade of the cave temples, this
festival of dance and music is held in the early part of the
year, usually in February. Also organised by the MTDC, the
event involves a boat ride from the Gateway of India to the
Elephanta Islands.
Kala Ghoda Festival
Every Sunday from November to January, at Mumbai in the Kala
Ghoda area (now known as K. Dubash Marg), near the Jehangir
Art Gallery is transformed into a street bazaar of arts and
crafts. Food, handicrafts and performances are all part of
this daylong event starting from 10 am and ending at 9 pm,
organised by MTDC.
|
