Experience the vibrant spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi in Pratap Bagh, Delhi, where artisans like Mohini and Rekha dedicate their craft to creating beautiful Ganesha idols. Witness the blend of artistry and devotion that transforms the streets into a festive haven, brimming with colour and celebration says SAKSHI PRIYA
Ganpati Bappa Morya! Ganpati Bappa Morya! The joyous chant fills the air, marking the arrival of Ganesh Chaturthi. This festival, dedicated to our beloved Lord Ganesha, transforms every corner into a lively celebration of devotion and creativity. Ganesh Chaturthi is a cherished Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the revered deity known for his wisdom and ability to remove obstacles. Observed with great enthusiasm across India, it turns streets and homes into vibrant centres of devotion.
Festival Preparations
Taking place in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, usually in August or September, the festival's preparations begin well before the actual day. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and beautifully decorated and pandals are set up to welcome Lord Ganesha. These pandals, often adorned with colourful decorations, become the heart of the celebrations. Tomorrow, as the celebrations officially begin, the city will once again echo with the joyous chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya!"
On the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, people bring home clay idols of Lord Ganesha. These idols vary in size and style, from small, simple ones to large, elaborate figures. Each idol is carefully placed on an altar and decorated with flowers, fruits and other offerings, creating a sacred and festive atmosphere. A key part of the celebration is the daily puja or worship performed by devotees. This involves chanting prayers, offering modaks and flowers and seeking blessings from Lord Ganesha. The air is filled with the sounds of devotional songs, the scent of incense and the colours of vibrant decorations, all contributing to a sense of joy and community.
As Ganesh Chaturthi draws near, Delhi’s streets, especially in Pratap Bagh, come alive with joyous and vibrant energy. Street vendors and stalls overflow with intricately designed idols of Lord Ganesha, along with festive decorations and offerings. The air is filled with excitement as the community prepares for the celebration. In the heart of Pratap Bagh, preparing for Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a task but a heartfelt tradition. For months, artisans have dedicated themselves to crafting exquisite murtis (idols), each one a labour of love and devotion.
In Pratap Bagh, the preparation for Ganesh Chaturthi is nothing short of a labour of love. For months, skilled artisans have poured their heart and soul into creating the most beautiful murtis of Lord Ganesha. Each idol is more than just a statue; it symbolises the devotion and creativity of its maker, embodying the rich cultural heritage of this cherished festival.
The process begins with moulding clay into the shape of Lord Ganesha, a task requiring both skill and patience. Artisans like Mohini and Rekha have dedicated themselves to this craft, ensuring that every detail - from the delicate folds of Ganesha's trunk to the intricate patterns on his attire - is perfect. The clay idols are left to dry, a crucial step demanding precision, especially during the monsoon season when high humidity can pose a challenge.
Once the base of the idol is ready, the real artistry begins. The idols are painted with vibrant colours and adorned with elaborate designs. Each brushstroke and embellishment reflects the deep reverence the artisans hold for Lord Ganesha. The final touches, including beads and decorative fabrics, bring the idols to life, making them a feast for the eyes and a joy for the soul.
The Artisan’s Dedication
The artisans of Pratap Bagh, like Mohini, Rekha, Sonu and Kamla, bring a unique blend of dedication, skill and devotion to their craft. Despite facing challenges such as rising costs of materials, intricate designs and financial uncertainties, they continue to pour their hearts into creating beautiful idols of Lord Ganesha. Their passion is truly inspiring, driven by both their love for their work and their deep devotion to the deity.
Mohini's approach to her work is remarkable. She sources plain murtis from Kolkata and transforms them with her own hands, turning them into vibrant, beautifully decorated idols. “I personally select the pearl necklaces from Chandni Chowk,” she explains, and her years of experience allow her to complete each one in just 15 minutes. The transformation from a plain clay figure to a colourful deity, embellished with pearls and intricate designs, is a tribute to her expertise and devotion. Mohini's work reflects not just artistic skill but also a deep spiritual connection, infusing each idol with a unique sense of reverence and love. The prices of her creations range from as little as Rs 300 to as much as Rs 30,000 with most people opting for smaller idols for their homes, while larger ones are chosen for community pandals.
Rekha, an artisan from Pratap Bagh, has been dedicated to idol-making for many years, a tradition she proudly continues. She explains that it takes them about "4 to 5 months" to prepare these beautiful idols, highlighting the dedication and effort involved in each piece. “Everything is done by hand,” she emphasises. From moulding the clay to carefully painting and decorating each idol, the entire process is meticulous and labour-intensive.
Walking through the lanes of Pratap Bagh, one cannot help but feel a deep sense of admiration seeing women like Mohini and Rekha leading their stalls. Every stall is filled with the bustling energy of women hard at work, their hands moving with practiced precision as they shape and paint the idols. It is a powerful sight, reflecting not just the artistry involved but also the empowerment of these women who bring beauty and devotion to life through their craft.
The dedication of these artisans stands out as a remarkable example of resilience. They face many hardships, yet their pride and joy in their work remain evident. Their craft is more than just a job; it is a calling, a deep-rooted part of their identity that connects them to the community and the divine. Their work becomes a symbol of hope and strength, capturing the very essence of Ganesh Chaturthi - the celebration of new beginnings, perseverance and devotion.
The Business and the Challenges
For many artisans, Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a period of celebration but also a crucial time for their business. Crafting idols is a complex and costly process and the financial pressures can be intense. One artisan remarks, “The cost of materials and the time invested in creating each idol is significant. We hope that the sales will cover these expenses and bring some profit.” Sonu adds, “We often face challenges in selling the larger and more elaborate idols. Most customers prefer smaller ones, which are more affordable.” Despite these financial hurdles, the artisans of Pratap Bagh persist, driven by their passion and commitment to their craft.
A Festival of Togetherness and Joy
The lively streets of Delhi transform into a canvas of vivid colours, resonating with the joyful sounds of celebration.The artisan’s meticulous work infuses the festival with an atmosphere of joy and festivity. This festival is a time when families unite to welcome their idols into their homes, decorating them with care and participating in daily pujas with reverence. The sense of community is palpable as neighbours, friends and even strangers come together in shared devotion to Lord Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi forwards a spirit of togetherness, forging bonds that extend beyond the festivities and celebrating the unity and collective joy of the community.
Wishing You a Joyous Ganesh Chaturthi !
As the vibrant celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi come alive with every chant of "Ganpati Bappa Morya," we send you our warmest wishes for a festival filled with joy, prosperity and divine blessings. May Lord Ganesha, with his benevolent presence and loving guidance, bring happiness and success into your life. This is the perfect time to embrace the spirit of the festival by indulging in the sweet delights of modaks - Lord Ganesha’s favourite treat! As you savour these delicious offerings, let them symbolise the sweetness of life and the fulfilment of your deepest desires.
May your home be filled with the sound of laughter and the spirit of togetherness and love. Celebrate with family and friends and may the blessings of Ganesh Chaturthi illuminate your path, dispelling any obstacles and guiding you towards new beginnings. Here’s to a Ganesh Chaturthi that’s as joyful and lively as the festivities themselves. Ganpati Bappa Morya! Enjoy the celebrations, the sweets and the company of loved ones.
