Ganesh Chaturthi - The Birthday of a God

The sound of crackers is ubiquitous, the scenery is brightly coloured, the smell of food hangs in the air, and the hum of prayer pervades the entire scene. That is the typical setting of a festival celebrated in India. The liveliness of Indian festivals attract tourists from all parts of the world. Some, as mere observers of the function and some as devoted participants.

Ganesh Chathurthi celebrates the birthday of Ganesh and usually occurs between August and September each year. Clay statues of the deity are made about two to three months beforehand. The models range in size, from less than an inch to some that are over 25 feet tall. On the day of the festival, these statues are put on display outside of houses. They are placed so that people can see and worship them and a priest will invoke life into the statues. Ten days of worship follows and on the 11th day, the statue is carried and immersed in a river or lake.

On this day, followers avoid looking directly at the moon. The legend goes that, Ganesh who was very fond of food, was mocked about his roundness by the moon on his birthday. The angered God cursed the moon, allowing it to show its full brilliance only once every 28 days. Naturally, food plays an integral part of the festivities and sweets and Modaks (a dish made using rice flour) are offered to Ganesh on this day.

There are differences in the scale and duration of celebrations throughout India and the world. One of the grandest observances occurs in Goa, where it is the most important Hindu festival celebrated. Also known as Chovoth, the festivities may go on for over a week. Preparations begin days in advance. The streets are decorated with statues made of bamboo and wood, housed in structures called pandols. For 10 days the atmosphere is filled with joy and music.

Goa is the smallest state in India. With the Arabian Sea forming its western coast, the state is renowned for its beaches. The laid back atmosphere of the place makes it the ideal setting for the joie de vivre of the festival. Good accommodation is also easy to find, as it is a top tourist destination. Goa Luxury Hotels like the Leela Kempinski Goa, will undoubtedly add to the enjoyment of the experience. The Goa Hotels facilities include a spa and a golf course.