Let celebrations strengthen unity in diversity

 Indian people want to show the message of communal harmony in festivals, which is very significant at this time of corona crisis..

PC THOMAS

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival which is observed every year to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha, the God of fresh start and a new beginning. It is celebrated following the Hindu mythology which says that Ganesh Chaturthi is the birthday of the Lord Ganesha. Hindus refer to Lord Ganesha as the remover of all obstacles and barriers.  This year, the 10-day festivities start today, August 22. The final immersion of Lord Ganesha’s statue in the river or ocean marks the end of Ganesh Chaturthi that will take place on the 10th day or Anant Chaturdashi day, on 1 September.

As we are now witnessing that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted religion in various ways, including the cancellation of collective worship-services of various faiths and the abandonment of pilgrimages surrounding observances and festivals. Therefore, so far this year, people over the world have not been able to celebrate any festival outdoors collectively due to the pandemic and they have limited themselves in safe confinements of homes with prayers and meditations. Read more articles PC Thomas

States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu generally witness festivities on large-scale during the 10-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. But, this year, with the virus calling for social distancing, most families are avoiding the act of welcoming more friends and family members at home. People are reportedly making their own clay Ganesha idols this season and online and offline workshops are helping the devout make eco-friendly idols at home.

India is the country where all religions of people are seen. Every one of them celebrates different festivals. Celebrations assume a significant role in our day-to-day life. In our everyday life we will be similar, but in the event of festivals we will be in a unique way. India is known for unity and all people irrespective of religions, celebrate the festivals together. There are numerous celebrations that all of us celebrate such as Baisakhi, Dussehra, Diwali, Christmas, Ramzan, Muharram and so on. Therefore, India is known as the country of festivals.

Indian people want to show the message of communal harmony in festivals, which is very significant at this time of corona crisis. Yes, India has already witnessed the religious harmony – Last year, in Hubli village of Karnataka State, both Hindus and Muslims gathered at one Panthal, where arrangements have been made for Ganesh Chaturthi and Muharram. According to the locals, people in the Hubli village are eager to celebrate all the festivals together, be it Holi, Diwali or Eid al-Fitr !

Ganesh Chaturthi festival of today is an occasion to promote goodwill, unity and solidarity among the people, which will empower us to keep up the harmony and goodwill across states. There is something awesome about this festival – It transforms the ordinary into the extra-ordinary, darkness into light and desolation into ecstasy. A devotee shared his feeling in such a way: “Nothing can supplant the peace and happiness that Ganesha brings to the faithful each year”.  Let all celebrations strengthen unity in diversity so that coronavirus pandemic may be over – Here is wishing you a very happy, prosperous and healthy life on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. This Article published in Metro Vaartha on 22.8.20. Stay Updated- The Best Blog PC Thomas