Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations: Surat shines with diamond

A Ganesha idol in Gujarat’s Surat has been adorned with diamonds, gold and silver ornaments worth lakh of rupees. The pandal, is themed around golden temple and the movie Baahubali has two Ganesha idols. The bigger idol has diamond studded ears, hands and feet along with gold and diamond necklaces. The organiser Gaurav Jariwala says that a devotee donated it to the pandal. As per reports,  around 80,000 Australian and American diamonds are studded on this Ganesha idol and 10-15 kilograms of gold and silver mixture has been used to make the plating for feet, ear and hands.

Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayak Chaturthi is one of the most celebrated festivals of India. It is a festival when the environment echoes with the sound of Ganpati Bappa Morya. The colourful attires, the festive moods and the high spirited individuals are full of passion and energy to celebrate the auspicious occasion of the Vignaharta.

The idol of Ganesha is worshipped through day and night. The aarti is done twice a day, morning and evening. With the sound of the nagadas, bells and aartis sung by the people along with rhythmic clapping beats. The aarti echoes and conveys a feeling of spirituality for the Lord. It encourages core spiritual thoughts and one wishes to stay in the moment forever. Starting with Sukharta Dukharta(Lord Ganesha), Durge Durghat Bhari(Devi), Sindur Lal Chadhayo, Avathavatra Vikrala Vrahmandi Mala(Shiva) Trigunatrak Trimurti Datta Ha Jana(Datta),Kapur ki aarti (Ghalin Lotangan) and Mantra Pushpanjali ends the aarti.

Some people also take ‘vaat’ or the wick in their hands, pour some oil, lit the wick and do the aarti of the lord. They did that out of pure love and respect for the Lord. Everytime before the aarti, the idol of Ganpati is dusted. People queue up on one side waiting for their turn to do the aarti. Everyday, people would bring garlands of flowers for the Lord. Some even donate 21 silver modaks to the idol.

Also read: Ganesh Chaturthi: History, significance and importance of the festival