The thrill of the city is all around,, stores glint with green Ganesha idols, houses are ready for festive decorations, and temples buzz with preparations. Weeks of wait are finally over, and believers eagerly await tomorrow's (August 27) arrival of Bappa, all set to invite him into homes and hearts filled with belief and happiness.
The familiar eructations, "Ganpati Bappa Morya", "Jai Ganesh Deva", "Gajanan Mhare Ghar Aao", will soon fill the air in the narrow alleys and busy temples for the next ten days as families and communities come together to celebrate Ganesh Utsav.
From early morning, local markets have seen crowds picking up idols, especially ones made of clay, as eco-friendly Ganesha is now the first choice. Shopkeepers say designs like turbaned Bappa, elephant-riding Ganesh, and Lalbaug Ka Raja from Mumbai are trending in Jalandhar.
Many families booked their idols 10-15 days in advance, with artisans working tirelessly for months to fulfil these special requests.
Devotees are told to stay away from Rahu Kaal, timed tomorrow from 12 noon to 1:30 pm, for installation since it is inauspicious. The rest of the day will be ideal for puja, particularly the Madhyahna time (midday) when spiritual strength is said to be at its best. Special modaks, Bappa's favorite dessert, will be offered, and prayers for wisdom, prosperity and harmony will be heard ringing across the city.
Bliss of eco friendly Ganesha
There are various eco-friendly ways of celebrating
1. Dry Fruits Ganpati
Picture an idol made from a combination of dry fruits, this creative method is a lovely Ganpati-making experience and yields prasad that can be shared with warmth with friends and loved ones upon visarjan.
2. Mud Ganpati
Selecting a mud Ganpati brings the festival near to nature. Immersed, these idols melt effortlessly back into the earth without contaminating water sources.
3. Grain Ganpati
An idol crafted from grains such as rice, wheat, or lentils is a subtle acknowledgment of thankfulness towards nature's harvest. Once the visarjan is done, the grains can be fed to birds and animals.
4. Ganpati Crafted with Sweets
A Ganpati idol crafted from traditional sweets is creative and symbolic. The sweets can be shared as prasad after the ritual, making the festival flavorfully sustainable.
5. Ganpati with Tree Leaves
Creating Ganpati with an array of new tree leaves brings the celebration in touch with nature itself. After the festival, the leaves naturally wilt and are gone, leaving no trace behind.
With devotion-filled hearts and homes full of enthusiasm, communities are ready to welcome Lord Ganesh. May Bappa's blessings fill everyone with happiness, peace, and prosperity!