The little things that make Goa's Ganesh Chaturthi special

VRUTHA KARMALI

So, what should be the theme for this year’s Chaturthi? Is this a question that pops up in your family WhatsApp group as the Ganesh Chaturthi season comes along? Well, it certainly does in ours. 

At least two weeks before the festivities begin, our family WhatsApp group starts buzzing with texts full of ideas, concepts and recommendations for what should be unique about this year’s Chaturthi sazavat (decoration).

Over the years, this has become a family tradition. A tradition that involves meetings at our quaint ancestral house to discuss and brainstorm creative ideas.

Mine is an enthusiastic Goan family of around 40 members, who gather with great excitement to plan every detail of the most awaited five days – from the colour of the paint that will go on the walls to all the supplies needed for the decorations.

And, that’s how Chaturthi brings families together well before the celebrations even begin. Growing up in a joint family in Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi has always been a big, loud and passionate affair, all about celebrating the god of prosperous beginnings.

Coming from a family of art enthusiasts, there’s always a lot of thought that goes into Chaturthi decorations, as it's a display of creativity and innovation.

And, there’s always a desire to exceed expectations and surpass what was done in the past. From crafting swans and elephants to creating a replica of a hut within our ancestral house, I have seen it all!

This year, Lord Ganesha’s abode has been transformed into a part of nature, with a huge banyan tree – made from scratch with recycled supplies, and the hard work of all involved – taking centre stage.

Imagine a pleasant sight of Lord Ganesha sitting under the tree, with a colourful matoli full of wild fruits and vegetables hung above – just the perfect touch to this year’s Chaturthi, and my family’s way of celebrating our beloved Ganesha. 

This is also the time when everyone comes together to make Chaturthi sweets and curate scrumptious faraal – nevri, chakli, laadoo and so many more mouth watering dishes are prepared to be distributed among family and friends.

Married women receive vajem consisting of fruits, sweets and savoury treats, from their parents – a warm tradition common in Goa that let's parents pamper their daughters far away.

Once the painting, building and crafting are all done, everyone gathers on the day of Tai – a day before Chaturthi – to worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the parents of Lord Ganesha, and put up matoli, the final step in completing the decorations.

The children tie various tropical fruits to strings, and the elders hang them above. A beautiful Goan tradition that highlights the relationship between humans, nature and the divine.

The same day we bring the idol of Ganesh home. All the children in the house squeeze into the car that will be Lord Ganesha’s vahan (vehicle) for the day, and the journey to the Chari house, located in Quepem’s Chinchwad-Ambaulim, begins where Lord Ganesha awaits us.

The Chari family, a family of sculptures, has preserved the art of crafting Ganesha idols from clay found in Goan soil for years.

The connection between our families dates back to the times of our great-grandfathers. For several decades, we have obtained Ganesha idols from this very family, and the tradition continues, reiterating the fact that Chaturthi strengthens bonds and relationships, at large. 

What follows are the five festive days, full of heartfelt aartis, delicious satvik food and sincere devotion to Lord Ganesha.

Aartis are a favourite in this family. The beats of ghumot, shamel and taal echo within the walls of our house. Whether it’s He Bholya Shankara or Sukhkarta dukhharta, our voices never tire of singing these aartis in unison. In fact, the children often request, and sometimes even demand, to keep singing more.

So, reflecting on Ganesh Chaturthi, I realise how these small, meaningful traditions are so special to me. It’s not just the festivities that make this celebration truly dear; it’s the heartfelt preparations to welcome Bappa into our homes, the joy of reconnecting with loved ones who are often far away, and the deep appreciation for the traditions lovingly passed down through generations.

These simple, yet profound, moments turn Ganesh Chaturthi into a celebration filled with meaning and love, making it much more than just a festival. It’s a time to cherish and embrace the bonds that unite us all.