Ganesh /Pillaiyar Chathurthi Rangoli-3

Pillaiyar Chathurthi Wishes. Pillaiyar / Ganesh Chathurthi is an important festival of Hindus. Ganesha Chathurthi is the birthday of Lord Ganesh which is celebrated with fervour and gaiety in all regions of India. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on Shukla Chaturthi of the Hindu month of Bhadra (generally falls between August and September).The duration of this festival varies from 1 day to 11 days, depending on the place and tradition. As per Hindu mythology Lord Ganesh is considered as “Vigana Harta” (one who removes obstacles) and “Buddhi Pradaayaka” (one who grants intelligence). This festival is very important for students, they worship Lord Ganesh to illumine their minds.

According to Hindu Mythology, Goddess Parvathi created Ganesh from sandalwood paste which she used to bathe and gave life to the figure. In the absence of Lord Shiva, she gave duty of guarding the entrance while she was taking her bath. Lord Shiva who didn’t know about this little boy’s sentry work, he tried to trespass the entrance and this made Ganesha to get into a tiff with Lord Shiva. In this combat Lord Shiva severed the head of the Ganesha. Parvathi who was disheartened by her husband’s act and made enraged. To pacify Parvathy, Lord Shiva promised getting Ganesha back to life by getting a head of first dead body. Devas headed towards north in search of a head, but encountered with a elephant and with no other optik. They came with elephant’s head. And thats how Lord Ganesh got his head.

Idols of Ganesha, mostly out of clay are bought and kept at home. The day starts with prayers and offering are made. Sakkarai pongal (sweet Rice porridge), mothagam, kozhukattai are prepared in sweet and spicy version as it is believed that Lord Ganesha is fond of Kozhukattai. Kozhukattai and mothagam are steam cooked stuffed rice balls. The stuffing differs, from coconut, sesame, bengal gram.. One of my favourite dishes too.