Ganesh Chaturti, the god of wisdom and abundance, is one of the most famous and revered gods in the Indian pantheon. The birth of Ganesh is celebrated all over the country, the celebration is accompanied by numerous rites and ceremonies.
In 2012, the celebration of the birth of Ganesh Chaturti will take place on September 19. The god looks quite peculiar: he has an elephant's head on a human body, a large spherical belly, four arms. Instead of two tusks for an elephant, Ganesh has only one. According to the ancient Indian epic, this god is the son of Shiva and Parvati. There are several versions of how the baby got the head of an elephant. According to the first, they forgot to invite the god Shani to the celebration on the occasion of the birth of Ganesh. Angry, he glared at the baby's head. To save him, Brahma advised Parvati to give the baby the head of the first creature that came across, it turned out to be an elephant.
According to the second legend, Shiva himself cut off the baby's head when he tried not to let him into Parvati's chambers. Realizing what he had done, Shiva tried to console his wife by giving the baby the head of an elephant. As for one of the tusks, Ganesh lost it in a fight with Parasurama. He came to Shiva, but Ganesha's father was asleep, and the young god decided not to let the guest in. In anger, he cut off one tusk with an ax.
In India, Ganesh Chaturti enjoys great love - this is the god of wisdom, luck and abundance, helping in difficult everyday situations. When starting an important business, Indians definitely turn to Ganesh for help. Images and sculptures of the deity are widespread throughout India, and many temples have been built in his honor.
Given the help that Ganesh provides, it is not at all difficult to understand the respect that the people of India have for him. On the birthday of God, the Hindus dress in the best clothes and from the very morning they bring Ganesha flowers, various sweets, milk, fruits - it is believed that he has a good appetite, as evidenced by a large belly. Statues of the deity are carried along the streets, fumigating them with incense and singing prayers. Figurines of the god are made of clay, which will bring good luck throughout the year. They part with the old figures, with prayers and the greatest reverence, lowering them into the water of rivers and lakes.
Elephants live at many temples dedicated to Ganesh. On the day of the holiday, a statue of a deity is erected on the elephant, after which it is carried around the temple with all honors. The most colorful and magnificent celebrations in honor of the birth of Ganesh are held in the city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay), thousands of pilgrims from all over India come to the festival.
