Homewards & Onwards...

Ganesh Utsav is an unmissable festival. No matter how busy we are, we ensure we attend the annual ritual of the Satyanarayan Pooja and Ganesh darshan at my maternal grandfather's home. This year, it was his family's 70th Ganesh Utsav. Earlier, when my daughter was younger and did not have to worry about missing school and spent all 10 days in Mumbai venerating Ganpati Bappa - as he is fondly called - and bidding him farewell on Chowpatty beach where countless Ganesh idols are immersed in the agitated Arabian Sea on a moonless night named, 'Anant Chaturdashi'.

The pooja is performed with fervent dedication on the Saturday following the Chintamani Aagman or Ganesh Chaturthi, the arrival of the Elephant God, India's most famous deity whose popularity can easily rival that of a movie star.

The beauty of Ganesh Utsav lies in the fact that even the less fortunate celebrate and show their devotion. Chawls, slums, and shanties are brightly lit and decorated. The daily 'aarti' is a beautiful way of expressing one's love and devotion to Ganpati Bappa.

People come in droves to sing for their favourite God - the destroyer of obstacles, offering him whatever they can - from 'modaks' - the God's favourite dish, to fruits, sweets, and fresh flowers. After all, it is not God who sets high expectations or discriminates, we do. 

Our family's Satyanarayan pooja was followed by sumptuous traditional fare served on silver plates in the shape of banana leaves - family heirlooms and cultural traditions that make us proud to be Indian. The first meal is holy as it is offered to the Gods first. Named 'naivedya' - the meal of the Gods is then awarded to one of the family members. Being the one to have the naivedya is considered a great honour. As children, we even showed off a little when asked to partake of this important custom. 

Our annual Ganpati weekend is also ideal for bonding with family, relaxing, and rejuvenating. My daughter looks very forward to this visit. Here are some moments I captured a day after the Pooja when we chose to simply be at home, and relish the time with my parents and pets. Lastly, I set aside some precious me-time at a coffee shop above a bookstore - perfection!