One of India's most cherished holidays is Ganesh Chaturthi. The ten-day celebration takes place during the month of Bhadrapada. People worship Bappa in their pandals and homes during this period. Prayers, rituals and bhajans are being held. At the same time, the house and the pandal are decorated.
Decor is the heart of this festival. When the houses and pandals are decorated, the real atmosphere of the festival is created. The decoration welcomes Lord Ganesha in a grand and holy form. This decoration awakens the spirit of the festival.
The importance of decorating
The welcome of Ganpati Bappa is complete with decorations. And it's not just for show. There's a deeper meaning to it.
- The decoration is a symbol of reverence for God.
- It infuses the pandal and the house with good energy.
- The decoration creates a special atmosphere of the festival.
- It connects people and spreads collective happiness.
When children, elders and elders all decorate together, enthusiasm and unity increases in the house.
Traditional forms of decoration
1. Decorating with flowers
Flowers are the life of every festival. The significance of this festival increases during Ganesh Chaturthi.
- Coriander flowers are considered auspicious.
- The lotus represents Lord Ganesha's innocence.
- The worship environment is enhanced by the aroma of rose and jasmine.
- The garlands of flowers make the idol and pandal attractive.
2. Mango and Banana Leaves
- The decoration of leaves has special significance in India.
- Mango leaves are hung on the door.
- Banana leaves are used in worship and decoration.
- It protects from evil forces.
- It also represents a bond with the natural world.
3. Rangoli
- Rangoli decorates the courtyard of every house.
- Rangoli means happiness and welcome.
- In this, the shape of Swastika, Om and Ganapati is made.
- Rangoli makes the atmosphere of the house feel pure and beautiful.
- Children and women together make rangoli, which increases happiness.
4. Lighting and lighting
- Lamp lighting is a significant aspect of the custom.
- An earthen lamp illuminates the house.
- Hundreds of lamps are lit in the pandals.
- Light means victory over darkness.
Nowadays, chandeliers and LED lights are also installed, but the brightness of the lamps remains the most special.
5. Clothes and curtains
- Clothes also play a big role in decorating.
- Green, yellow, and red are seen as lucky colors.
- The mandap is decorated with clothes.
- The pandals and houses become colourful with the flashes of curtains and cloth.
6. Decoration of clay and bamboo
- In villages and small towns mud and bamboo are mostly used.
- The earthen lamps and idols are eco-friendly.
- The traditional shape is displayed by the bamboo pavilions and ornamentation.
Beliefs related to decoration
- Flowers are dear to God, so their use in worship is necessary.
- Lighting a lamp removes negative energy from the house.
- The arch of leaves welcomes both guests and God.
- Rangoli makes the house pure and auspicious.
Decoration and participation of people
- Ganesh Chaturthi is not just limited to homes. Large pandals are also decorated.
- People decorate the mandap together.
- Children help and make rangoli.
- Women prepare flowers and torans.
- The men take care of the lighting and clothing.
In this way, the whole community decorates together. This is the biggest feature of the festival.
Traditional decoration in modern times
Nowadays a lot of modern decoration materials are found in the market. LED lights, plastic flowers, and bright decorations. But the shine of traditional things is still different today.
- Flowers and leaves provide a lovely and organic arrangement.
- The significance of diyas and rangoli never diminishes.
- Traditional decoration is also good for the environment.
- That is why people adopt traditional methods along with modern decoration.
Eco-friendly decoration
Nowadays, people are also concerned about the environment.
- The use of clay idols and diyas is increasing.
- Leaves and flowers are used more in decoration.
- Plastic and thermocol are avoided.
- This change is also necessary so that nature is protected.
Read More:- Eco-Friendly Ganesh Chaturthi: Cities Cutting Pollution
Conclusion
The traditional decoration in Ganesh Chaturthi is not just for beauty. It is a symbol of our devotion, faith and culture. The flowers exude freshness and fragrance. The leaves and flowers represent good fortune. Lamps bring light and positivity. Rangoli makes the house auspicious and colorful.
Today, even though the trend of modern decoration has increased, the importance of traditional decoration will always remain. It ties us to our heritage and gives the celebration a genuine sense of specialness. The decoration of Ganesh Chaturthi teaches us that the true meaning of the festival is devotion, unity and sharing of happiness. When we decorate with all our heart, Bappa is also pleased and blesses happiness and peace in the house.