In this pandemic struck year, the 10 days of Ganpati seemed holy, spiritual, relaxing, and happy enough to forget problems of the world for a while. But, time flies and it has, as the widely worshipped God of Beginnings: Ganpati, is going to be immersed tomorrow.
Anant Chaturdashi will be observed on September 1 this year.
‘Ananta’ in Sanskrit means endless/eternal, and is hence believed to be a holy day for worshipping Lord Vishnu.
It is believed that Lord Ganesha returns to Mount Kailash to join his parents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the last day of the festival.
Being the Remover of Obstacles, they say, he takes away all the problems of his devotees during the last procession.
The Visarjan on Ananta Chaturdashi suggests that the tradition of arrival (which is also on a Chaturthi) and the departure of Lord Ganesha shall continue forever.
Seeing the beautifully made idols sink into water with those extremely lively eyes still blessing us until the very end, is heartbreaking. But, it’s the culture that asks us to do so.
This year, the immersions are a little different than usual. Covid-19 has toned down the excitement of people and norms have been put up.
BMC says
– Registering on the website to book slots for the immersion is must.
– Devotees who live a kilometre or two from the beach can immerse their idols in the sea.
– Others to immerse in the nearest Artificial and Natural Ponds.
– No public immersions in containment zones.
– 7-8 collection points in open spaces for donating idols.
– Ban on offerings like flowers and garlands.
Pandals must be sanitised three times a day.
– Only 5 people allowed inside a pandal at once
Until next year.
गणपती बाप्पा मोरया!
पुढच्या वर्षी लवकर या!!
