Six Ways To Make Your Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations More Celebratory

The countdown to Ganesha Chaturthi has begun. Lord Ganesha’s birthday is always celebrated with great fanfare in India as he is one of the most popular deities in Hinduism. 

It is in Maharashtra that the celebrations are really grand. The festival was born here during the reign of the Maratha leader, Shivaji. The Peshwas, too, continued the tradition as Ganesha was their main deity. Later, during British rule, the famous freedom fighter, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, helped popularize the festival so that Indians of all castes, classes, and creeds came together to celebrate it. This helped the growth of nationalism which was essential to gain freedom from British rule. 

Lord Ganesha is invoked before any auspicious event. He has the power to remove all obstacles and bestow success in any venture. He also bestows wisdom and knowledge. Hence, he has an important place in the Hindu pantheon. In fact, he is one of the 5 major Hindu deities along with include Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga. 

According to mythology, he was created by Goddess Parvati from turmeric paste/sandalwood paste. Some versions say that she used the dirt from her own body.

The festival lasts for 10 days and ends with the ritualistic immersion of Ganesha idols in water bodies after they are taken out in procession. On the first day, Ganesha idols are installed in homes, temples, and public places. Some of the idols are huge. Poojas and Homas are performed, and many cultural events are organized for the occasion. People also make many sweets like Modaks, laddoos, barfis, polis, etc., as offerings for Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi 2022 is on August 31. 

Here are 6 ways to enhance Ganesh Chaturthi festivities and make them more celebratory. 

1. Use Colorful Flowers

Flowers can elevate the mood and add a festive touch. For any Pooja, flowers are essential. Depending on the kind of effect you want, you can arrange them on the idol or in the Pooja room, etc. Hang some bells at the bottom of the garlands for a better look. Red flowers are a must as they look very vibrant.

You can also make rangolis using flowers at the entrance of your home for a very aesthetic look.

 2. Use Bright Lights

Earthen lights or diyas are traditionally used for Ganesh Chaturthi. They look very beautiful and create a festive as well as divine ambience. Scented candles or fairy lights may also be used to lend a magical feel to the surroundings. 

3. Wall Decor

Wall decor is one factor that can accentuate the look of any space. Hang some beautiful paintings of Ganesha on the wall to infuse your space with more spiritual energy. You can find different kinds of Ganesha art – exquisite Tanjore paintings or even modernist Ganeshas!   

4. Colored Mats

Why not buy some colorful mats for the Pooja room as people may sit before the idol and pray or chant Mantras? You can find lovely yet affordable carpets and mats in pretty designs and colors online. It will do wonders for your Pooja room aesthetics! 

5. Colored Papers

Get some fluorescent papers or glitter sheets in various colors and create decor items like paper fans, flowers, flower garlands, and wall hangings. Keep the paper flowers on either side of the Ganesha idol. Or make a large paper fan and use it as a backdrop for the idol. Try to make some simple designs as well, like butterflies and umbrellas. Stick them on the wall. Kids will love helping you out with this.  

6. Colored Balloons

For any celebration or festivity, balloons are a major necessity. Nowadays, you get balloons in beautiful colors too. So, for Ganesh Chaturthi, try your hand at balloon decoration. The theme can be simple yet creative. How about a round balloon background? Or, cover the entire wall with balloons and use it as a backdrop for the Ganpati idol. It will look very festive and colorful, without a doubt.

Hope you enjoyed reading about these ideas to spice up your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. And do try out some of them!