Ganesh Chaturthi - memories
I wrote this today, in my gratitude journal, as a ‘Thank You’ memory: Thinking back today of Ganesh Chaturthi in Baroda, every year, today being The day this year. Around 5-10 days prior to this day, some of the ‘yuvak mandals’ (Youth congregation / groups) would bring the unpainted Ganesh Idols to their ‘location’ in their block. And, the idols would be painted there itself. A majority would bring the idols 4-wheel carts(larris), or bullock carts or trucks, depending on the size of the idol. It would be a festive procession for each one, people singing ‘Ganpati Bappa Moriya’, as they went along on the road. We would fold our hands in prayer each time. It would be a fun day, watching each procession passing, and the air of festivity all round. Particularly, when the Ganesha idol on the back side of our Road(HP Yuvak Mandal) would be brought in, there would be a long prayer, and, then the ‘Sthapana’(Installation) of the idols. Memories also, of the ‘collection’ teams of 3-