GANESH HABBA 2011

Walking into M.E.S. College of Arts, Commerce and Science on a crisp Wednesday morning on the 31^st of August, one was instantly greeted by rows of beautifully moulded Eco-Ganeshas, a few steps ahead of which lay a large welcoming rangoli design. A revered hush and tranquillity consumed the usually bustling college building.

          The stage was set. Ganesha was seated upon his pedestal- a very realistic makeshift mountain- and to his left two smaller clay versions were nestled into place. The serene visages of the idols were framed by an array of vibrant flower garlands. Surrounding this, potted plants and stainless steel plates of fruits, flowers and pooja items were positioned. On the center of the stage stretched out a delicate, floral rangoli, rich in the colours pink, purple, green and yellow. An ornate, bronze lamp set in front of the rangoli completed this picture of perfection.

          The pundit arrived on scene at around 11:15AM and few minutes later, the ceremony began. Students and teachers alike watched in devout attention as the pundit performed rituals and chanted mantras while incensed vapour bound all together in united prayer. Offerings to the Lord were made and lamps were lit in order to invoke the spirit of Lord Ganesha into the idol. In an hour and a half, the pooja was complete and all came forward to take aarti and blessings. Prasad in the form of banana in sweetened milk, modaks and kadabu (among others) was distributed to everyone and at around 12:45PM the ceremony concluded, leaving all with sweetened palates and hearts filled with anticipation for the days of Gowri Ganesha yet to come.

          Every morning of the festival saw aarti being performed and both students and teachers coming in together to begin their day with Ganesha’s blessings. On the 1^st of September, the Indian music group ‘Hamsadhwani’ performed a medley of devotional songs which was enjoyed and appreciated by all. The third day of the festival saw a beautifully performed dance recital and performances from the pre-university college students. What really came as a highlight of the cultural section of the festival, was an extraordinary percussion ensemble titled ‘Sunaada Vaadya Vaibhava’ by the ‘Laya MIlana’ group. With eleven professional musicians taking centre stage, the crowd gathered was uplifted in its experience of the Divine through music.

          Thereafter, with the Mahamangalarathi filling all with a sense of devotion and reverence, it was time for the visarjane. With the Ganesha idol immersed in a stainless steel container filled with water, every one prayed for an obstacle-free year ahead until it was time for Ganesh to arrive again with greater pomp and gaiety.

ARTICLE SUBMITTED BY:              SHIVANI NAIK                                               

1^ST SEMESTER, B.A.             and

                                                          PANKAJ A. DESAI

5^TH SEMESTER, B.A.