Festivals have been a significant part of my life since childhood. I embrace every festival with passion and enjoy getting family and friends together. Each festival has its uniqueness, yet they are all rooted in inviting humanity to invoke the divine presence collectively. Over the years, my reverence for festivals has evolved as I look beyond into the spiritual significance and meaning of the celebration of life.
As Ganesh Chaturthi draws near, make space for the devotion and happiness to fill your homes and pave the way for inner awakening. A remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha is a symbol of inner wisdom, clarity, and balance. We can learn a lesson from every aspect of his form. His massive skull reminds us to be receptive to new ideas and to have an open mind. His big ears encourage us to talk less and listen more. His shattered tusk demonstrates that accepting flaws is the key to perfection. And everything that life throws at him is absorbed by his big belly.
Let’s pause and reflect on each form as we immerse ourselves in prayer and uplift our state of mind. The ritual of cleanliness in our homes reminds us to purify our thoughts and minds. As we focus on adorning the idol with single-pointed attention, we find clarity and purpose.
Obstacle Remover: We invoke Ganesha, also known as Vignaharta, for luck and success before embarking on any new project. My faith in the higher power has always given me the strength and courage to navigate the challenges that life throws across my way. Praying consciously for ten days, anchors us and helps to start a habit that supports us through the year.
Celebration of Community: It brings together families and communities by means of cultural performances, prayer, and decoration. I have had the privilege of being associated with many like minded communities for coaching, spirituality, healing, professional pursuits, hiking, travel, leadership and more. Each community has enriched my life with love and meaning. Communities give us a sense of belonging and offer the safe space to explore, experiment and unfold.
Social Harmony: The group's celebration fosters solidarity, togetherness, and a feeling of purpose. When we are collectively immersed in devotion to the higher power, our prejudices fall aside, and we come together for a higher purpose.
Letting Go: The immersion of the idol is an embodiment of the natural process of creation and dissolution and universal consciousness. Life is a cycle of emergence, creation and dissolution. This festival reminds us of the transience of life and develop a relationship with that which is permanent – the Universal Love.
Heralds New Beginnings: The idol being submerged marks the end of a phase and the start of a new one. The way trees shed leaves in autumn and new leaves and flowers blossom in spring, when one season ends, another starts. Celebrate the dawn of new beginnings with the realization of the Higher self.
Energetic Confluence: In India, the festivals coincide with the lunar calendar, when there is a confluence of energy between the planets. The higher vibrations support our spiritual journey and transformation.
Bringing Ganesh into our homes and reintroducing him to nature represents a greater reality: everything in life is sacred but transient. Happiness lies in the present. Prayer gives us the courage to let go. Spirituality is not separate from life; it is a conscious way of living. If we pay attention closely, we can hear our inner voice inspiring us to live a calm, brave, and compassionate life amidst the chaos. With consistent effort and mindfulness, we can learn and grow to embody the virtues that Lord Ganesha represents, courage, clarity, and consciousness. Lets celebrate and enjoy the dance, splendour, vibrance, and music of life.
×